Step up in trip looks sure to suit Blue Stello

NICKY HENDERSON thinks he has a lovely crop of novice hurdlers and anyone who saw Jonbon dazzle at Newbury last week would probably share that view.

Also among the youngsters is Blue Stello, who appeals in the racingtv.com Novices’ Hurdle at Wetherby on Saturday.

Second in an Irish point-to-point 12 months ago, he caught the eye at Seven Barrows in the spring before a summer of development and progression in the field.

He returned in great nick and was able to make a winning debut for Henderson at Warwick this autumn, although the stewards did need to intervene and place him first.

That race was over 2m3f and the five-yearold, a future chaser, was outpaced at one point so stepping up to 2m5½f looks a wise move.

Henderson used to train Torigni, who could be worth a try over 2m7½f in the Paris Pike Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Kelso on Sunday.

Now with Harry Whittington, the five-yearold has a likeable and largely consistent profile and needed his first outing of the season over hurdles at Chepstow in October.

He built on that when shaping with encouragement at Market Rasen on his chasing debut last time. His mark of 132 looks workable and Whittington ought to be able to find a race like this for him.

Further Measure might also have more to offer and is the pick in the Play 4 To Win At Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton on Saturday.

He was a surprise winner at Chelmsford in September and did not fire fully in three starts on turf, but produced a commendable effort at Newcastle last time, claiming third over 1m4½f.

He is on his winning Chelmsford mark of 84 and looks to have a decent chance.

That might not automatically apply to Uther Pendragon in Lingfield’s Play 4 To Win At Betway Handicap on Wednesday, but Sean Levey hardly ever rides from Stan Moore so that might be a tip in itself.

The six-year-old was not disgraced at the track last time and should be competitive off his low rating.

Also worth noting

Roccowithlove (Warren Greatrex) in the 1.02 at Wetherby on Saturday

Champ (Nicky Henderson) in the 2.05 at Aintree on Saturday