Flemensgael is napped to build on a promising recent debut in the ten-runner Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles at Hereford, today. Jockey Richard Johnson has to be a plus even though he experienced wretched luck on a couple of occasions in high-profile races last week.
Move on is the only answer and this experienced veteran will not be dwelling on past problems when Tim Vaughan legs him up on four-year-old Flemensgael, runner-up to New Code over two miles around Plumpton three weeks ago which represented an encouraging hurdling debut.
Obviously, Paul Nicholls-trained Egypt Mill Spirit will be a popular choice and likely favourite given the champion trainer had seven winners during a magical Saturday; 'bonfire night' was certainly all about rockets and sparklers for the west-country 'winning machine!'
Realistically Flemensgael is a cracking each-way bet and should be backed accordingly; a good move might be to play into an EW double with Grove Pride, one of ten 'decs' for the Novices' Hurdle over an extended two miles of Carlisle.
Grove Pride will be making his hurdling debut but reports suggest he's schooled superbly; last year Henry Daly's charge looked a wonderful prospect when a creditable close 'bumper' third to Theatre Magic at Chepstow.
Daly isn't renowned for producing 'first up' winners but Grove Pride is reckoned a potential class act if ever there was one and shouldn't be extended getting off the mark against moderates.
Southwell also stages a National Hunt meeting and Nicky Henderson appears to have unearthed a 'penalty kick' for twice-placed (bumpers!) Speed Master in the Novices' Hurdle over two miles.
Henderson's novices are invariably different gravy, such is the purchasing power and it will be a major shock if Speed Master doesn't oblige, under Tony McCoy!What can be termed as a definitive 'yankee anchor!'
SELECTIONS
RACE 13 (#6) GROVE PRIDE
RACE 20 (#3) KNCKOLONGI (e.w.)
RACE 22 (#5) FLEMENSGAEL (nap e.w.)
RACE 23 (#5) SPEED MASTER
