Jumping at Huntingdon and Thurles

With Ludlow abandoned, the only N.H. tracks in action today are Huntingdon and Thurles. Easily the best racing is at the Irish track, where there are mainly large fields. The exception is the main feature, a Grade Three chase over 2 1/4 miles at 14.05 CET in which only 4 runners are declared. However all four have smart form to their credit; in oiur view the finish could be fought out between Quiscover Fontaine (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and Psycho (Tony Martin/ Paul Carberry). With an eye to the future, the beginners chase over 3 miles at 13.35 could be the more interesting event. This could go to Arabella Boy (Enda Bolger/ Nina Carberry), who was a useful bumper horse and also ran well over hurdles; considering his trainer, he could well be a cross-country star before long. Ther are also some promising types in the maiden hurdle at 15.05; our choice here is Four Commanders (Mouse Morris/ Davy Russell).
The most informative race at Huntingdon could be the 4yo hurdle at 14.10. Pepite Rose (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman) won easily last time, but the opposition today looks stronger and we prefer Tony Star (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Dhaafar (Alan King/ Robert Thornton). The novice hurdle an hour later should mainly concern Cucumber Run (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and High Benefit (King/ Choc), while the Henderson/ Geraghty team can also take the bumper at 16.40 with Ericht.