Mike Cattermole offers his verdict on probably the most invaluable race on Newcastle’s Nationwide Hunt card, stay on Sky Sports activities Racing on Thursday at 2.48pm.
The Observe @attheraces on Twitter Handicap Chase over two-and-a-half miles is probably the most invaluable race on the Newcastle card and it sees the fast reappearance of Hidden Commander after his recreation win over the course and distance every week in the past. He has a 7lb penalty to beat.
THE GROUNDWORK
Heavy rain for a lot of the day on Tuesday amounted to 14mm total with an analogous quantity forecast in a single day and into race day itself. The present good, good to gentle in locations may change to good to gentle or probably softer come race time as it’s the penultimate contest of the day.
CONTENDERS
Slanelough
Skilled chaser with three wins from 24 begins over fences who gained a match right here final March however has been properly held since, together with after a six-month break at Ayr. Usually likes to front-run and is arguably higher at across the minimal journey.
Slanelough tasted victory at Newcastle in March
Geryville
Ex-French chaser who joined Micky Hammond at first of the final marketing campaign and started with a convincing win over simply in need of this journey at Wetherby.
Was largely despatched over three miles after that and gained one other win on this course when he rallied late to get the higher of The Ferry Grasp in March.
Carried out very respectably on his current reappearance at Wetherby, once more over three miles, tiring on the run-in and shaping as if he simply wanted the run. Began favorite that day, too. Dropping again in journey however might need extra to supply and is way revered.
Hidden Commander
Deserves credit score for digging deep over the course and distance every week in the past when getting the higher of latest ex-French recruit Heroique De Maulde, the pair pulling 11 lengths clear.
Has a 7lb penalty to beat right now which is 2lb increased than his new mark. Additionally, the bottom this time is more likely to be considerably softer than final week and which will make it tougher for him as he appears more practical on a sounder floor.
Da Vinci Hand
His two wins within the UK have each been over two miles and at Catterick, though he does appear to remain this journey. Off since March when he bled from the nostril and might be finest watched right now.
The Paddy Pie
Outstanding racer who has loads of expertise and is racing over what’s arguably his finest journey.
A superb second at Wetherby final January wasn’t actually constructed on and as a consequence he has slipped to a really affordable mark now. He returned to Wetherby for his reappearance run – his first for eight months – and formed properly earlier than fading after leaping the second final.
The secure type has been a large concern these days however there have been indicators that issues are beginning to flip the nook and, yesterday at Hexham, they had been again among the many winners for the primary time in months. With each the journey and softening floor now in his favour, this might properly be the time to catch him.
Rowdy Rustler
Chase debut for him right now and has his first run since a wind operation (his second) however Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore are in terrific type with loads of winners these days.
Final seen successful right here over the identical distance over hurdles in February. Likes to make the working and is worthy of respect – and likewise a detailed verify within the betting!
VERDICT
Hidden Commander did properly right here final week however situations can be more durable for him this time. Geryville is revered however the suspicion is that he could also be suited by a bit additional.
Now that the Sue Smith crew is again among the many winners, the attractively handicapped The Paddy Pie is the decide, though the 8/1 is now lengthy gone.
