Katie Midwinter (09/12/22)
1:50pm – December Gold Cup (Premier Handicap)
Irish-raider Sole Pretender has been dropped 2lbs for his run here last month, finishing behind Banbridge and Tommy’s Oscar in a Grade Two 2m contest. He wasn’t competitive on that occasion, but eventual winner Banbridge put the race to bed swiftly up the hill and is a high-class horse, comfortable in Graded races.
Prior to that race, Sole Pretender finished third behind Straw Fan Jack and Ash Tree Meadow, staying on well. The extra half-a-mile could suit him here and he has good form in competitive races over hurdles and there could be more to come from him over fences.
Over timber at Tipperary in June he beat Saint Roi giving him 7lbs, with Darasso and Shewearsitwell also behind that day. Off a mark of 145 with 5lbs taken off his racing weight by claimer Michael O’Sullivan, he could be dangerous and is available at a decent each-way price.
3:35pm – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Course and distance winner Theatre Glory looks an exciting prospect for the Nicky Henderson yard following a number of impressive performances. She justifies favouritisim at the head of the market but there are plenty of mares capable of posing a threat in this competitive renewal.
Indefatigable has been inconsistent of late but is a formidable mare on her day. She carries top weight in this contest, which could make it a tough task against some younger, improving mares.
In last year’s renewal she was narrowly beaten by Martello Sky, who once again lines up attempting to record a second successive win in the race. At Wetherby last month she was beaten by Molly Ollys Wishes having battled hard in the closing stages.
Lady Adare is set to make a belated start to her season, having been taken out on two occasions prior to Saturday’s race. She is unbeaten in four starts for Harry Fry and, although she is up in class, running off a 5lbs higher mark of 130, she is a progressive type with a promising future and has gone well fresh in the past.
This may be a pipe opener and she’ll be worth keeping an eye on in future races, but she could show enough improvement to feature and has 3lbs claimer Lorcan Murtagh onboard.
THE CONDITIONAL 