NATIONAL HUNT hopes finally get something of an airing after a bleak few weeks which have seen the fixture list decimated by snow and ice.
Jumps enthusiasts have had to sit on their hands since Plumpton raced on January 3, but Southwell give them a small morsel of consolation with an all-bumper card.
Officials at the Nottinghamshire track must be applauded for organising the all-weather fixture and they have been rewarded with plenty of support from some high-profile trainers.
Undoubtedly one of the most interesting runners is Nicky Henderson’s Line Freedom, who lines up in the victorchandler.
com Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
The five-year-old was sent off favourite for her debut at Cheltenham in April of last year and barely came off the bridle to score by 22 lengths.
She is forced to concede weight all round on her return but it will not be enough to stop her if she can reproduce that first performance.
Brackloon High has the distinction of being the last winner on turf before the big freeze took hold and he can follow up in the Play Never Stops At Victor Chandler Poker Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
The five-year-old was a 16- length winner that day after suffering a shock defeat on his racecourse bow at Fakenham last October.
Trainer Noel Chance holds this Bob Back gelding in high regard and he is evidently keen to build on his current good form.
The Flat boys are in action again at Lingfield and while Zerzura may have let down favourite-backers on his introduction, he can reward those who keep the faith in the Golf And Racing Maiden Stakes.
The son of Oasis Dream is a half-brother to Group-race winner Frenchmans Bay, but has seemingly not been straightforward, having been gelded before seeing a racecourse.
That said, there was clearly plenty expected of him on his course and distance debut and although failing to land a blow, he shaped well enough considering he ran green throughout.
The Henry Cecil-trained four-year-old clearly needs to improve a good deal to get his head in front, but that is virtually assured.
Chalice Welcome has shown a likeable attitude to score on his last couple of starts and has every chance of completing a hat-trick in the Lingfield Park Sporting Membership Handicap.
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