The team have provided two selections for Wednesday's racing, one over jumps at Sedgefield, and an exciting handicap prospect at Kempton.
Sedgefield has been a happy hunting ground for trainer Shark Hanlon over the years, who has consistently targeted the track for successful raids from over the Irish Sea. In the 2m1f Fairlight Studios Maiden Hurdle (13:58), he has Felix Summus, who looks poised to improve.
Somewhat of an enigmatic character, Felix Summus placed second in a Killarney bumper for former trainer Willie Mullins prior to an 819-day absence. Sent off 6/4f on his long-awaited return at Downpatrick in August 2024, one can forgive a somewhat lacklustre fifth.
Looking back at the form of that 2022 bumper, Hanlon's charge was only half-a-length behind Lipa K, who has in time proven to be a useful hurdler for Evan Williams. Our Champ was also in defeat, the winner of the valuable 2024 Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton.
Paddy Hanlon does the steering on this occasion, who is good value for his seven-pound claim and knows his way around Sedgefield.
In a race that lacks a great deal of form over either hurdles or in bumpers, it is worth risking on an unexposed type at a price – especially on an Irish runner who is making the trip over to the UK for a maiden hurdle worth £4200 to the winner.
It is likewise prudent to note that backing Hanlon horses blind around the County Durham course would yield a profit of £2.50 to a £1 level stake over the last five years.
It is rare enough to see former Willie Mullins bumper horses around Sedgefield, and a change of scenery may be just what is required.
EACH-WAY – FELIX SUMMUS – 10/1
Nightbird makes her handicap debut for Simon and Ed Crisford at Kempton in the six-furlong Class 5 Try Unibet's New Acca Boosts Nursery (17:45).
After an underwhelming all-weather start at Southwell in August, the juvenile went to Beverley, where again, she finished a solid third of eleven without catching the eye.
Looking more closely, however, there may be something to be found in these lines of form which indicates a degree of progression. From a time perspective, the Crisfords' filly completed the five-furlong trip in a smart time (1m 1.36s), given that the two maidens earlier in the card over the same trip were won by horses clocking around the 1m 1.02s mark.
An extra furlong, an advantageous low draw, combined with an opening mark of 75 could be a winning combination. The Crisford team don't often target this kind of race, but they have enjoyed two winners from two runners in nurseries this season. The booking of jockey William Buick and application of first-time cheekpieces are also positives.
WIN – NIGHTBIRD – 9/4
