12:05pm Saturday 26th January 2008
By Flared Nostril
NICKY Richards sends FAASEL to Cheltenham with a big task ahead of him to beat the likes of Old Vic and State of Play, but you cannot put a line through this quirky sort getting into the argument.
A fourth to Tamarinbleu last time reads pretty good form in the wake of the winner's exploits since in beating Twist Magic, and the extra distance Faasel gets here should be in his favour.
He was staying on over that 2 mile 5 furlongs and, having mixed it with the likes of Black Jack Ketchum and Lough Derg over hurdles, he could show a nice turn of foot at the end.
He's each-way material here at around 16s, but with the principals like to try and cut each other down in the closing stages, the race is tailor-made for a late arrival on the scene.
NACARAT looks bound for better things after scorching home last time and although raised a massive 18lb, he can take the 2.10 at Cheltenham.
Chief Dan George from Jimmy Moffatt's Cartmel stable has a mountain to climb to get back his best to beat INGLIS DREVER in the 3.50 who looks to have Millennium Royal to fear.
HIMALAYAN TRAIL will be a huge price at Doncaster for the Sky Bet Handicap Chase, but Sue Smith has got him fit over hurdles and he can play a part in the finish for me.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk