Alverton
David Marshall's Blog, April 4
Looking ahead to Plumpton, Towcester and Musselburgh
Obviously not top class racing, but the aim of any holiday is to get customers through the gate, enjoy the experience and return again. Both the national hunt courses will be racing on testing ground, at Plumpton the opening novice hurdle is probably the trickiest event to call. I was impressed with the attitude and hurdling of Mistree Dancer a fortnight ago and though upped in class may repeat her success. There looks to be plenty of pace on in the feature handicap hurdle, Just Beware the rank outsider may just pick up the pieces late on to reward each way support. Course specialist The Hardy Boy seeks another win, guarantee if he does, it wont be by far.
Thought the ground at Towcester’s Monday meeting wasn’t too testing but with plenty of rain this week I should imagine it will be more so today. Though he won at long odds on last time, William Hogarth hardly looked in love with it, notice the headgear is fitted for the first time today, inconclusive, know more at 2-15. In the maiden hurdle I prefer the older Sandofthe colosseum to the four year old Theologist, and in the bumper former trainer Charlie Brooks owns the Nicky Henderson trained favourite Cavite Beta.
There are certain racecourses who remain stagnant in their race programme, not so Musselburgh who are forever putting on appealing events under both codes, they are rewarded with an excellent field for the staying handicap,only a 12 lb weight range, Highland Legacy is my fancy for the race.
Day one of a four day fixture at Fairyhouse and a cracking cadr to boot, both quality and quantity, though a favourite of mine amongst the Irish novice hurdling division, Loosen My Load will surely find the ground too soft.
