Sivola up to scratch in the Peterborough

Funambule Sivola 1.52 Huntingdon, 2m4f Grade 2 chase

Everyone says you need terrestrial TV coverage to make a horserace. Nonsense, and that’s proven by contests like the Peterborough Chase.

Huntingdon’s flagship race has a mouthwatering entry at the five-day stage, and with rain about this week it’s likely most of them will stand their ground. And I’m certainly hoping Funambule Sivola does, as he escapes a penalty for this Grade 2.

Second to Shishkin at Aintree in April, that effort rounded off a fantastic season for Venetia Williams’ six-yearold, rising 44lb in the handicap and winning four times.

He could improve again this term, and we know he goes well fresh so he must have sound claims here providing he sees out the longer trip. I’m hopeful he will – most of the Williams runners stay well – and the track will suit his jumping.

Old Nuts Well missed his engagement at Newcastle last weekend because of the weather. However, he’ll be well treated at the weights here.

Best alternative: Nuts Well

Wheres Maud Gone 2.57 Huntingdon, 2m Listed mares’ bumper

Wheres Maud Gone could tackle her fifth bumper here. The daughter of Yeats won her first two starts at Thurles and Ayr before finishing fifth in much hotter contest the last twice.

In her penultimate outing at Aintree in April she finished fifth in Grade 2 company behind the likes of Irish raider Me Too Please, Champion Bumper third Elle Est Belle and 99-rated Flat filly

Eileendover, with six lengths back to the rest.

That is a standout piece of form in this company, while her fifth in a Listed event at Cheltenham last time doesn’t read too bad either.

Hurdles surely beckon for the selection, but she can record another victory here before she tackles obstacles.

Flying Sara, who was second in a Listed bumper last time, also at Cheltenham’s November meeting, is the obvious threat to the selection. Best alternative: Flying Sara

Smuggler’s Blues

3.27 Huntingdon, 2m7½f handicap chase

I’m willing to give another chance to Smuggler’s Blues. The Tom George-trained nineyear-old was notching RPRs in the 120s 12 months ago, but he’s dropped down the ratings since then. He’s failed to fire in two starts at Chepstow this season, although he ran much better than the form book suggests last time.

On that occasion the first two caught a march on the rest of their rivals, and it was the selection who gave chase before getting tired late on.

Smuggler’s Blues is he’s a weak finisher, hence just the one win to his name. However, that success came off his current mark of 111, and a tight track like Huntingdon could be the place for him to fire as he travels and jumps.

Pemberley is difficult to win with, but is another whose mark is becoming more acceptable.

Best alternative: Pemberley

Big River 1.03 Kelso, 4m½f handicap chase

Big River’s been around long enough for us to know the two things he thrives on is Kelso and a test of stamina, and if ever a race was made for him, it was the Borders National.

The Lucinda Russell-trained 11-year-old has raced nine times at the Scottish track, winning six and finishing second twice. The one time he failed to make the first two came in this race two years ago when he was brought down at the 14th when travelling well. This is his opportunity to make amends.

His second here on his reappearance was the perfect prep. There’s plenty of rain forecast, and that’s what we want as we know he’ll keep going once others have cried enough.

He’s 2lb lower than he was for this two years ago, and he can go close.

The youngsters are obviously improving and provide the greatest threat. Salty Boy and Almazhar Garde finished first and second in the Southern National at Fontwell a few weeks ago. The latter is a dual course winner and is better off at the weights here, but he won’t want too much rain.

Best alternative: Almazhar Garde