Olly Murphy (right)© Photo Healy Racing
Northern Reel proved tough to catch at Leicester last week and can quickly add to her tally at Southwell.
Olly Murphy’s six-year-old travelled with real zest when part of the handler’s recent treble at Leicester, moving stylishly into contention and then showing her rivals a clean pair of heels when asked to go and win her race after the second last fence.
She cruised home 13 lengths clear of the opposition and a similar performance would make her tough to oppose under a 7lb penalty in the Golf And Gallop Package Mares’ Handicap Chase.
Also heading to Rolleston in winning order is Anthony Honeyball’s Jasmin Du Grugy, who now switches to the larger obstacles for the Southwell Golf Club Handicap Chase having rattled up a hat-trick over timber back in May.
Dan Skelton’s Asian Star had to settle for second when carrying a penalty for a previous Southwell victory at Warwick earlier this month.
However, a return to Nottinghamshire could help her quickly regain the winning thread as she is sent handicapping in the Watch Unbridled On attheraces.com Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
It may also be worth keeping a close eye on Harry Derham’s Sergeant Fury in the Download The At The Races App Maiden Hurdle as the point-to-point winner makes his hurdling bow following a pleasing run in a Wincanton bumper.
Spectators at Sedgefield could be set to witness a little bit of local history when Willie Mullins sends over Mr Escobar for the vickers.bet Proud To Support British Racing Novices’ Hurdle.
A winner at the venue is missing from the Closutton handler’s distinguished CV, but his raider could prove a tough nut to crack judged not only on his second over obstacles at Listowel in Septemberm but also his fine effort on the Flat at Naas last month.
More used to success at Sedgefield is Rebecca Menzies and the local handler can strike in the concluding Paxtons No1 Caseih Dealer In UK & Ireland Open Maiden National Hunt Flat Race with Snapaudaciaheros.
Fourth on her Hexham debut, she then took a step forward when second at Southwell on her second start and could be primed to make it third time lucky if her progression continues.
It is a long time since The Paddy Pie has returned to the winner’s enclosure, but because of that, he finds himself now 20lb below his last successful winning figure.
He was an encouraging second over track and trip most recently and a similar performance could give Joel Parkinson – the grandson of Sue Smith’s husband Harvey – his first victory since joining the Grand National-winning handler on the training licence.
Also at Sedgefield, Laser Focus can notch up a hat-trick in the Chris Blanckley Birthday Handicap Hurdle.
Trainer James Owen can do no wrong at present and away from the Cheltenham triumphs of Burdett Road and East India Dock, Laser Focus has been in fine form with two wide-margin triumphs this month.
This is his toughest assignment yet, but the six-year-old is on the upgrade and could have plenty still lurking in the locker.
SELECTIONS:
SEDGEFIELD: 12.55 Mr Escobar, 1.25 National Question, 2.00 Clean Getaway, 2.30 Laser Focus, 3.00 The Paddy Pie, 3.30 Snapaudaciaheros.
SOUTHWELL: 12.35 NORTHERN REEL (NAP), 1.05 Jasmin De Grugy, 1.40 Asian Star, 2.10 Sergeant Fury, 2.40 Rockola, 3.10 Neigh Botha, 3.40 Lunar Contact.
TRAMORE: 12.45 Downmexicoway, 1.15 Caman Eileen, 1.50 Roxhill Roise, 2.20 Beggars Rock, 2.50 Natural Breeze, 3.20 Garcon Doux, 3.50 Sortudo.
DOUBLE: Northern Reel and Mr Escobar.
