IN SUMMARY: Vicenzo Mio was placed off a slightly higher mark in a Sandown Listed handicap in December and not opposed lightly here, but he tends to finish rather weakly and this might go to NESTERENKO (100/30), who was well behind Vicenzo Mio when last in action but is likely to be seen in a better light on today’s faster ground and is well handicapped on his form behind subsequent dual winner Baron Alco at Stratford in October. General Ginger ran well here in novice company on his latest outing and also has a part to play.
1 General Ginger – Won two of his first four starts over hurdles and arguably ran his best race in this sphere when second to Modus over 2m3f here on latest outing in November; not obviously well treated for today’s handicap debut but expected to make his presence felt.
2 Nesterenko – Soundly beaten in Listed handicap at Sandown in December but the soft ground probably wasn’t ideal there and he’s in calmer waters here; back on same mark as when second to a dual subsequent winner at Stratford (2m2f, good) in October and commands respect.
3 Vicenzo Mio – Doesn’t always find a huge amount for pressure but was very creditable third in Listed handicap at Sandown (2m, soft) in December and won’t be bothered by today’s drop back in trip after last month’s respectable fourth over 2m5f.
4 Retro Valley – Began hurdling career with two wins in juvenile company at Market Rasen last summer; seemed to have limitations exposed on next two outings, though, and faces fairly tough assignment against older horses in this good-quality handicap.
5 Tamarillo Grove – Scored off 10lb higher mark at Sedgefield (2m1f, good) in September 2014 but wasn’t seen again until three heavy defeats towards end of last year; lots to prove but still with a glance in the betting.
myracing Forecast Prices: 9/4 Vicenzo Mio, 5/2 General Ginger, Nesterenko, 11/2 Retro Valley, Tamarillo Grove