N.H. racing at Market Rasen and Fontwell

After the abandonment of Newcastle, there are now only 2 N.H. jumps meetings in the U.K. and no racing at all today in Ireland. The Easterby family could do well at Market Rasen, where Tim can saddle the winner of the mares handicap hurdle at 15.10 CT with the improving Gwyre (Dougie Costello), the only 4yo in the field. The obvious danger is Pearl (Alison Thorpe/ Oliver Dayman), who fell last time, but whose previous form was good enough.

Half n hour ltr Tim´s uncle Mick can tak the hndocap hurdle witgh Lightening Rod (Oliver Greenall), a very asy winnrat Kelso 8 days ago. The danger here is Ahmedy (John Quinn/ Costello), who has not run over jumps since winning over this CD 3 years ago, but should be fit enough after two recent runs on the all-weather. Alan King has had a poor season, but can pick up a small consolation prize with the lightly-raced Raduis Bleu (Robert Thornton) in the handicap chase at 16.40.

Alison Thorpe also has a fancied runner in the opener at Fontwell, a mares novice hurdle at 15.00. Her candidate here is Diktalina (Johnny Farrelly), who had no chance in the Fred Winter at the recent Cheltenham Festival, but meets far inferior opposition here. It is certainly interesting that Paul Nicholls sends Ruby Walsh for just one ride to Fontwell - Recif de Thaix in the novice chase at 15.30. He is clearly not one of the stable stars, but should be able to win in this company. Best bet of the day is Fleur de Vassy (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) in the handicap hurdle at 18.00; she was a very easy winner over this CD 9 days ago and races off the same mark today.