IT was hardly a surprise GALICE MACALO (3.30) found Epatante too strong a rival at Doncaster 24 days ago, but she looks the sort to win the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen today.
The seven-year-old wore a tongue-tie for the first time in the Grade Two, where she finished 12 lengths behind the 2020 Champion Hurdle winner, having previously scored an impressive 10-length victory at Chepstow early in January.
She beat a subsequent winner that day and now that Jane Williams’ mare reverts back to handicap company, she has every chance to score a fifth hurdle success.
Progressive KATEIRA (2.45) can score a hat-trick of hurdle wins in the Premier League Offers At Rhino.Bet EBF Mares' 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle at Market Rasen.
Dan Skelton’s six-year-old won on her debut over hurdles at Uttoxeter in November over two miles, and followed up with a fine win at Huntingdon. There she defied a penalty and relished the extra half mile distance, coasting home by 13 lengths. She is on a upward curve.
Tuesday's selections
MARKET RASEN
1.45 CHARLES ST
2.15 NOTNOWLINDA
2.45 KATEIRA (NB)
3.15 KINGOFTHEWEST
3.45 HIWAY ONE O THREE
4.15 ELLEON
4.45 ILESTDANCINGSPIRIT
TAUNTON
2.00 ALMOST GOTAWAY
2.30 DANCING HARRY
3.00 TRIXSTER
3.30 GALICE MACALO (NAP)
4.00 KILLALOAN
4.30 COILLTE EILE
5.05 NOT THAT FUISSE
SOUTHWELL
4.55 FOINIX
5.30 ACLAIMED ART
6.00 RUMNOTRED
6.30 GREAVSIE
7.00 CLASS MEMBER
7.30 URBAN DANDY
8.00 MAN ON A MISSION
8.30 KITTEN'S DREAM
DOUBLE: GALICE MACALO and KATEIRA