Uxizandre Can Bounce Back

Ben Morgan with his verdict on Friday at the big meeting.

ALDER HEY HANDICAP HURDLE

Progressive hurdler Dadsintrouble would certainly have a chance especially after he missed his engagement in the Pertemps after being balloted out. With festival glory on their mind, connections let him take his chance in the Martin Pipe, where the 2m4f trip meant that he was run off his feet and wasn’t able to finish off his race. He had looked a progressive young staying hurdler prior to that and I expect him to continue that upward curve here, if he runs. He may well be engaged in the listed hurdle on the Saturday. One to watch out for.

Jury Duty has been the picture of consistency so far this year and a bold showing is not ruled out here. He put in another good showing at Cheltenham when second in the Pertemps and he has looked very classy when he has got his head in front. There could still be more to come from him.

SOLOMN GRUNDY is still thoroughly unexposed at 3m and his only run over that distance resulted in an eye-catching victory at Newbury. A strong traveller who has plenty of boot to finish a race off could well develop into graded horse over time as he is in the right hands because Neil Mulholland is a master of improving these horses.

Morello Royale is a typical mare as she is so inconsistent but a good run over her preferred 3m would not come as a surprise and she may be worth a few quid each way at a big price.

Two horses that could contest either the Sefton later on in the card or this are Laser Light and Ballymalin. The former has come up short in novice company this year and connections may find it will pay dividends to go down the handicap route this season before setting their sights higher next year.