After the high-class action at Cheltenham, handicaps take centre stage Uttoxeter this afternoon.
The Midlands track hosts a seven-race card headlined by the JenningsBet Midlands Grand National Chase (17h00).
Uttoxeter hosts a seven-race programme this afternoon (Pic – Uttoxeter Racecourse on FB)
This traditional ‘prep’ for the Aintree highlight next month boasts a substantial first prize of £90,032 and has attracted a large field of 17 runners in what looks a competitive affair.
Forecasted good to soft ground over 4 miles and two furlongs is not for the faint hearted, and the eight-year-old Knockanore fits the bill after his facile victory at Newcastle last month.
Trainer Ryan Potter stepped him up to this marathon trip in the Eider Chase and he cruised home under apprentice Freddie Mitchell, 16-lengths clear at the line. The talented Mitchell retains the ride and claims a valuable 5lbs once more.
The classy mare Apple Away is an interesting rival having won and placed at listed level. She has placed in all four of her starts this season, and her trainer Lucinda Russell now tries her over this extended trip. She has to give the selection 17lbs, which is a stretch, but she is classy and could still have say.
Top-weight Mr Vango is feared on his hat-trick bid, but must carry 12-stone here, so bottom-weight Invincible Nao, a game winner of his last two starts is selected for the placings.
The meeting starts at 15h50 with a handicap hurdle over 2 and a half miles. Hidden History was runner-up at Fontwell over Christmas for trainer Chris Gordon, but a change of stables sees him now saddled by leading trainer Dan Skelton.
He looks a likely contender off his current mark, along with course and distance winner Below The Radar from the Nicholls yard. Disappointing last time out, he has subsequently dropped 6lbs in the ratings and is a danger with Harry Cobden riding.
Walk On Quest (9/2) looks the value call in the 3-mile JenningsBet Novices’ Handicap Chase (17h35). An unexposed six-year-old unbeaten in 4 starts over fences and trained by the in-form Lucinda Russell. He receives 9lbs from the Skeltons favourite Deafening Silence and kept on nicely when landing a handicap at Kelso two-weeks ago.
Latenightrumble, who looked an unlucky loser at Wetherby last month, is consistent and looks the main threat.
