County Hurdle

Probably my favourite handicap of the week and always one I like to study.   Dan Skelton has farmed this race last few years and I think he could have once again have a hand in proceedings.   His dark horse for this could be NUBE NEGRA.  The horse did not fulfil his potential over hurdles but has been electric as a novice chaser this year.   I was surprised to see him not line up in the Arkle and his absence has left me puzzled.  I know the stable have Marie Banrigh but where else can NN run?   There doesnt seem to be another suitable race over fences.   So I thought, could they switch him back to hurdles.  Now rated 153 over fences but just 137 over hurdles, he would get in the county off a feather weight and that mark could look really generous.   He is also another who would benefit from a little better ground.

Anyway it is all Miss Marple stuff, and I await the post telling me is out for the season or trainer has declared Aintree for a target.   Handicap entries out soon, so guess we will see, in meanwhile may see if I can get a few quid on here and there and ridiculous odds.