Dan Skelton’s Unexpected Party appeals over fences at Leicester in the Pertemps Network Novices’ Chase.
The grey has been set a couple of tough tasks since graduating from hurdles to larger obstacles, meeting Paul Nicholls' Mcfabulous when second on debut at Exeter and then coming home third behind Jonbon in the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown in early December.
This is an easier assignment, however, and back up to a trip of two and a half miles – a distance he was particularly effective over when hurdling – he looks poised to land the first victory of his chasing career.
Getaway Luv may be capable of defying top-weight in the Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap Hurdle at Catterick.
The seven-year-old provided fledgling trainer Lizzie Quinlan with her first winner when landing a novice handicap chase at the North Yorkshire venue last month on what was just his second start for the yard.
There was a degree of authority about that success and he must have every chance of following up on his return to the smaller obstacles.
At Newcastle in the Talksport Powered By Fans EBF Restricted Novice Stakes it is Kevin Philippart De Foy's Clipsham La Habana who catches the eye.
The Havana Grey colt has run four times to date and has never been out of the money in a quartet of starts over six furlongs on the all-weather.
Second in two novices in autumn, the two-year-old made his handicap debut at Kempton late last month and won for the first time, coming home a comfortable four and a quarter lengths ahead of his nearest rival.
The horse he beat, Jonathan Portman's Corinthian Kid, is a prior winner who has some notable form behind George Boughey's Perdika – a force to be reckoned with having won her last four on the all-weather.
Central Hall is the pick in the Spreadex Sports Live UK Racing Streaming Novice Stakes.
Two solid enough efforts so far suggest Simon and Ed Crisford's three-year-old can win a race or two.
In Ireland there is another high-quality afternoon in store at Leopardstown and A Plus Tard could bounce back to form in the Savills Chase for Henry de Bromhead.
The gelding is the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, but his seasonal debut went awry when he was pulled up in the Betfair Chase having looked out of sorts.
A few physical issues were later discovered, as well as unsatisfactory blood test results, but if returning to anything near his best he holds a major chance of reclaiming the title he won in 2020 and lost to Galvin in 2021.
Flooring Porter can also return to winning ways in the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle, a Grade One event run over three miles.
Gavin Cromwell's dual Stayers' Hurdle winner was second in this race last year behind the quick-starting Klassical Dream, who is surprisingly not in opposition this time.
Though only fourth in the Lismullen Hurdle when starting his season at Navan in November, the seven-year-old was returning from a 218-day break and should be sharper and fitter for that run.
SELECTIONS:
CATTERICK: 11.53 Trac, 12.28 Don Hollow, 1.03 Happy And Fine, 1.38 Bretney, 2.13 Limerick Leader, 2.48 Bents Hollow, 3.25 Vienna Girl.
LEICESTER: 12.10 Red Dirt Road, 12.45 UNEXPECTED PARTY (NAP), 1.20 Marajman, 1.55 Obey The Rules, 2.35 Washington, 3.10 Dame Du Soir, 3.40 Sir Jack West.
LEOPARDSTOWN: 12.00 Lot Of Joy, 12.35 Sam's Choice, 1.10 Music Drive, 1.45 Flooring Porter, 2.20 A Plus Tard, 2.55 I Am Maximus, 3.30 Feronily.
LIMERICK: 12.20 Shanbally Kid, 12.55 Corbetts Cross, 1.30 Malina Girl, 2.05 Joy Of Life, 2.40 Rebel Gold, 3.15 Cheerful Chap, 3.45 Chosen Witness.
NEWCASTLE: 3.20 Cabinet Maker, 3.55 Little Jo, 4.25 Central Hall, 4.55 Streak Lightning, 5.25 Clipsham La Habana, 5.55 Cheeky Maxi, 6.25 After John.
DOUBLE: Unexpected Party and Clipsham La Habana.
