N.H. racing at Hexham and Plumpton

The going is heavy today at Hexham, in the far north of England, but is much faster at Plumpton in the south. At Hexham, German-bred Tacinja (Paul Blockley/ Mark Bradburne), just touched off last time out, should go close in the opening novices handicap chase at 15.30 CET. Donald McCain and Jason Maguire can team up to land a double here with Classic Chic in the novice hurdle at 16.00 and Rosie all Over in the mares handicap hurdle an hour later; both must give weight away all round but should be up to the task. At Plumpton, Swordsman is an interesting runner in the opening novice hurdle at 15.20; he has been in several different stable during his career, including Christan von der Recke´s, but is now trained by Harry Dunlop and has the assistance of Tony McCoyn in the saddle. Haddaaf (Charölie Mann/ Noel Fehily), who has an excellent pedigree, should outclass the opposition in the maiden hurdle at 15.50 after his recent excellent comeback at Kempton. The interesting runner in the 2 1/2 mile handicap chase at 16.50 is Explosive Fox, whose trainer Sean Curran scored a sensational success in Saturday´s Scottish Grand National. Here he rides his horse as well, and must have good prospects in an open event.