Crocadee looks the answer to the tricky question posed by the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury today. This £100,000 handicap hurdle, run over two miles, has attracted a competitive 17-horse field, with several of the runners having shown good recent form.
One such animal is the Venetia Williams-trained Crocadee, who has won three of his four starts of timber and earlier this month trotted up by 25 lengths from Frogman at Leicester.
This progressive seven-year-old's victories have all been gained in novice company over two and a half miles.
However, his best effort came in defeat over two miles at Ascot in January when he failed by eight lengths to give 6lb to leading Cheltenham Festival fancy Dusk Duel.
Norman Williamson, who has ridden Crocadee on his last two starts, has deserted the gelding today in favour of Irish challenger Back On Top, who has not been seen out over hurdles since last May.
Brian Crowley, the stable's conditional jockey, replaces Williamson and takes a valuable 5lb off Crocadee's back.
And with a strong pace virtually guaranteed the classy Crocadee is made the nap to land the afternoon's Showcase Handicap.
Dangers abound with Mr Lamb appearing to be the pick of Martin Pipe's five runners and Nicky Henderson's pair Blue Royal and Geos sure to command respect.
Back On Top's lack of a recent outing may take its toll in the closing stages and the biggest threat could come from the lightlyweighted novice Doctor Goddard, a good third to the brilliant Monsignor last time.
Former smart Flat performer Solo Mio can book his ticket for next month's Festival with victory in the Lansdowne Club Novices' Hurdle.
Alan King's Group-race winner has taken well to hurdling judged on his only attempt so far which came at Taunton last month when he comfortably disposed of subsequent winner Exit Swinger by three lengths. He looks set to go to the top at the winter game and looks too good to miss here.
See More Business and Flagship Uberalles should have little difficulty in landing the Aon Chase and Mitsubishi Shogun Game Spirit Chase, their respective Cheltenham prep races.
At Haydock Park, Martell Grand National hope Niki Dee can improve on his respectable three-length second to Beau in the Pertemps Great Yorkshire Chase last time to take the Stanley Racing Handicap Chase.
Merry Masquerade put up a personal best over course and distance last time when second, beaten one and a half lengths by Behrajan in a Grade Two contest, and can go one better in the Ladbroke Casinos Handicap Hurdle over an extended 23 furlongs.
The highly-regarded Ballinclay King, who flopped behind Monsignor at Sandown on his most recent outing, can redeem his somewhat tarnished reputation with victory in the Martnaham Novices' Hurdle at Ayr.
