Alverton
David Marshall's Blog, April 13
Looking ahead to Exeter, Pontefract and Yarmouth
Clear day for an eight race card on Haldon Hill. A tricky novice handicap hurdle to start, with several making their handicap debut on ground faster than their promising novice runs, these include Cardinal James, The Brimmer, Barton Alf and Uffa Fox. Express Leader has his sights lowered in the staying novice hurdle, while Ibberton bids to repeat last years success in the long distance handicap chase. The staying hurdle also has a competitive look to it, Right Option should be better suited to today’s surface rather than Uttoxeter last time after a winter break. The bumper has been divided and after running in the festival bumper last time the promising Dunraven Storm turns up for a measly looking first prize of £1300.
As usual an attractive card at Pontefract, featuring the Jamaican Flight handicap, a sad reminder for all, whose trainer Sue Lamyman as well as her husband have both passed away recently. Course specialist Mr Wolf has been done no favours with his outside draw, though you would not lay long odds about him grabbing the rails early doors. The same trainers King Fingal looked promising as a three year old, he lost his way somewhat last year but could bounce back this term. A fillies maiden and five tricky handicaps at Yarmouth as a prelude to the areas now two day Craven meeting which opens Newmarket’s season tomorrow, Richard Fahey provides the meetings banker with Sir Louis.
