GET on the Stellar in Sandown’s Virgin Bet Heroes Hurdle.
STELLAR MAGIC (2.55) looked a cracking prospect a couple of years ago but he found life tough last season following an injury.
His second start this term, when runner-up behind progressive Steal A March at Wincanton on Boxing Day, was much better and he’s got plenty of potential over this staying distance.
The track should suit him and the drying ground is also in his favour.
His trainer Philip Hobbs was struggling for winners for the first half of the season but he seems to have finally hit form this week. Have 2pts each-way at 9-1. Several bookies are paying out on five places.
LASKALIN (3.30) had some good form last year and he’s kicked on again this season following a breathing operation.
The form of his Ludlow comeback success in November has worked out well and he was far from disgraced when third in the Mandarin Chase at Newbury.
Sandown’s right-handed track should suit Venetia Williams’ ex-French chaser. Have 2pts win at 7-1.
Musselburgh’s two-day Cheltenham Trials meeting starts today and Lucinda Russell, predictably, has plenty of chances.
The Scottish trainer has four runners in the Sea Pigeon series qualifier and I like the chances of bottom weight FLYLIKEANEAGLE (3.48).
He won four times in the summer, including at Musselburgh, and he looks well treated over hurdles.
The steady pace was against him at Newcastle in November and the ground was too soft over this course and distance last month.
With a decent gallop on the cards and the going drying out, he should have no excuses this time. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1.
There’s a good Flat card at Lingfield where DILIGENT HARRY (2.26) looks a decent bet in the Listed sprint.
Clive Cox’s runner has got a great record on the all-weather, where he has three wins from five starts. One of those defeats came when beaten a shorthead by dual Wokingham winner Rohaan over this course and distance and the other came when third in a Newcastle Group 3.
He blew a bit hot and cold last season but he went close first time out so he clearly goes well fresh.
There’s every chance he will also have improved having been gelded since his last run in September. Have 2pts win at 8-1.
