The team have two selections for Friday’s racing – a big priced handicap prospect at Redcar, and a pick over jumps at Fakenham.
Brian Ellison's Travel Candy went in the tracker having shown clear signs of improvement over course and distance last time out and makes big appeal in in the 5f Sam Hall Memorial Handicap (14:27) at Redcar.
Having travelled strongly going into the latter stages before being denied a clear run into the final furlong on her previous run, it would be unsurprising to see her there or thereabouts with a similar showing.
The three-year-old has some decent back form at two, having won on three occasions over the minimum trip.
While her three-year-old career has been somewhat more tumultuous, the formbook is littered with excuses for poor showings. At Catterick in September, she was eased down after the jockey reported a false step with one and a half furlongs to go. Consequently, she has tumbled down the handicap to what looks to be a very tempting mark of 59. Brian Ellison is as shrewd an operator as any, and put up around 40/1, his charge has been generously priced.
Soft ground shouldn't be a problem, having won at Catterick last year in similar conditions. With wins in the formbook off 62 and 69, this could present an opportunity to capitalise at a big price.
As such, Travel Candy is the value selection for an each-way play.
TRAVEL CANDY – EACH WAY – 40/1
Charging Thunder was a very useful handicapper on the flat, and if he has schooled well, the £130,000 Prize Money @ Fakenham 1st January Novices' Hurdle (14:00) at Fakenham on Friday is an ideal opportunity to make a winning debut over obstacles.
James Owen enjoys a stellar record transferring runners from the flat to the jumps, and looks to have a nice type on his hands here. Of the competition, of all the horses who have ran on the flat, his gelding is rated 10lb higher. Owen, likewise, is in red-hot form over the sticks, having already notched up 18 hurdles winners from just over 80 starts this season. From horses who won in the last month, following the Newmarket handler would return a 28% strike rate.
Harry Cobden is an interesting booking. Given that the Champion Jockey only takes two rides on Friday, it would be fair to say that he won't be expecting to be going home empty handed. Fakenham has been a happy hunting ground for him through the years, posting an electric 37% strike rate around the Norfolk course.
The step up to National Hunt trips should be no great stamina test, having won over 1 mile and 6 furlongs comfortably. Consequently, Charging Thunder really ought to be winning this.
CHARGING THUNDER – WIN – 5/4
