Cabaletta to make most of an easier opportunity

Major Snugfit

2.10 Hexham, 2m handicap hurdle

The Rebecca Menzies-trained Major Snugfit passed the post first at Sedgefield last September only to be disqualified for causing interference after the last.

That came off a mark of 79 and he finds himself only 2lb higher now.

His last run over hurdles was a reasonable effort at Market Rasen behind Bowser last month, and he has kept his hand in since then with a couple of runs on the Flat.

He might not be the most straightforward, but it might just suit him here and his trainer does excel with this type of horse.

Maurice Barnes regularly pulls rabbits out of the hat and his Placedela Concorde, who won his first race for him at 66-1 a couple of seasons ago, could be the biggest danger.

Best alternative: Placedela Concorde

Gameface

3.45 Hexham, 3m handicap chase

Gameface ran Monkfish to half a length in an Irish point back in 2018.

Although that’s not strictly relevant now, he has belatedly clicked into gear on his last two outings, winning consecutive races at Sedgefield and then over course and distance last time out.

That win was his first over fences, and although he got put up 7lb for it, it still only leaves him on a mark of 90.

For a horse with only ten races under his belt, he is very much an unexposed seven-year-old who could be well ahead of his mark. A hat-trick beckons for Ben Haslam’s improver.

Prince Dundee knows his way around here – all his three wins have come at the track including an easy win last time out – and he looks the biggest threat to the selection.

Best alternative: Prince Dundee

No Comment

2.00 Worcester, 2m4f handicap chase

The Philip Hobbs-trained No Comment hasn’t won nearly enough for a horse of his ability, but this could be the time for him to win his first race since January 2017.

Part of the problem has been that he’s been lined up for competitive races at the Cheltenham Festival in quite a few seasons – and by their very nature they are very difficult to win.

The time for those big races has passed, but he is still useful and has been running well over hurdles lately.

Last time out he was just beaten at Cartmel by Native Fighter over 2m6f, and shorter trips possibly suit him better these days.

If his jumping passes muster on his first start over fences since March 2020, he should be a factor here, as should Western Miller who can follow him home.

Best alternative: Western Miller

Cabaletta

2.55 Pontefract, 1m4f Listed Cabaletta has gone five races without a win now, but she does keep good company and looked like she was nearing peak form at Haydock last time.

On that occasion she was second behind La Lune in a Group 3 in first-time blinkers, and while comfortably beaten at the line, it was a step forward from her return in the Middleton Stakes at York where she was a bit disappointing.

Since her Listed win at Newbury last July she has run solely in Group company – she ran in a Group 1 at Ascot on Champions Day – and this will be the easiest task she has faced for some time.

A bit of sheen has been knocked off Eileendover’s standing since her bumper wins in the winter, but she will find her level soon enough and could run well.

Best alternative: Eileendover