Perseus Way could be the solution to what appears a trappy renewal of the Weatherbys Chatteris Fen Juvenile Hurdle at Huntingdon.
Twice a winner on the Flat, first for Charlie Appleby and then for Owen Burrows, Perseus Way has made a fine start for Gary Moore, chasing home leading British Triumph Hurdle hope Scriptwriter in a decent contest at Cheltenham's November meeting.
Moore then gave him a straightforward task to get off the mark at Leicester and he duly obliged, hacking up by 24 lengths to earn a move up to Grade Two level for the Finale at Chepstow.
He could not quite get on terms with the first two, Comfort Zone and Dixon Cove – but it was nevertheless a creditable third, beaten just over two lengths on ground that was plenty deep enough.
Better conditions should be on offer at Huntingdon and Perseus Way can take advantage.
Fresh from a high-profile Sandown success last weekend, Mel Rowley can send out another nice winner in Raffle Ticket, who tackles the Weatherbys Hamilton Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
A winning point to pointer back in 2019, Raffle Ticket managed to win one of his four hurdles starts before making the move to bigger obstacles last month at Sandown.
Raffle Ticket raced quite keenly on his first start for 321 days and then just found himself running out of petrol towards the finish, eventually being beaten four and a quarter lengths.
He should step forward from that outing and can make hay from the bottom of the handicap.
Hidalgo De L'Isle let favourite-backers down on his first attempt over obstacles, but can make amends in the Go Racing With Vickers.Bet Maiden Hurdle at Sedgefield.
Beaten two and three-quarter lengths at Newcastle in November, he came from a fair way back and just could not reel in the winner, with the experience sure to stand him in good stead.
Excel Power can book his place at All-Weather Finals Day in the spring with victory at Wolverhampton.
Archie Watson's charge tackles the Spreadex Sports First Goalscorer Insurance Conditions Stakes after officially finishing second over half a furlong further at Dunstall Park after Christmas.
He was actually third past the post that day, but a bump from the second at a crucial stage saw him promoted prompted a 1lb rise.
His current rating of 103 puts him on a par with Fox Tal, but with that one having his first run in nearly a year, Excel Power can make his racing edge tell./
Atalanta Breeze is more than capable of running well off a layoff and merits close consideration in the Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Handicap at Lingfield.
She has not seen much racing for a seven-year-old, having had just 15 starts to date, but she retains plenty of ability, as she showed when returning from 273 days off to win at Brighton in September.
Raised 4lb for that win, Atalanta Breeze can defy the extra burden and claim a second all-weather verdict.
SELECTIONS:
DUNDALK: 3.55 Mads Black Eights, 4.30 Livia Celeste, 5.00 Dappled Light, 5.30 Vee Dancer, 6.00 Eye Of Envy, 6.30 News At Ten, 7.00 Kudbegood, 7.30 Red Cymbal.
HUNTINGDON: 1.00 Dom Bosco, 1.30 Dana's Gem, 2.00 Raffle Ticket, 2.30 Inneston, 3.00 PERSEUS WAY (NAP), 3.30 Smoking Pigeon, 4.00 Watching Over You.
LINGFIELD: 12.40 San Juan, 1.10 El Hombre, 1.40 Mintana, 2.10 Saturnalia, 2.40 Resilient Power, 3.10 Atalanta Breeze, 3.40 Rikona.
NEWCASTLE: 3.45 Jubilee Girl, 4.15 Razoni, 4.45 Foinix, 5.15 Excel Power, 5.45 Jumira Bridge, 6.15 Highjacked, 6.45 Elzaal, 7.15 Mehmo.
SEDGEFIELD: 12.50 Hidalgo De L'Isle, 1.20 Dr Shirocco, 1.50 Maillot Blanc, 2.20 Large Action, 2.50 Morozov Cocktail, 3.20 Licit, 3.50 Brawby.
DOUBLE: Perseus Way and Excel Power.
