PRINCE IMPERIAL is fancied to make it third time lucky over obstacles with a win in the Placesetting Equipment Hire Handicap Hurdle (3.30) at Plumpton today.
The Richard Hughes-trained son of Frankel has been a decent stayer on the Flat, winning six times and ending last season with a British Horseracing Authority rating of 96.
Starting out over hurdles in a two-mile novice event in East Sussex five days before Christmas, Prince Imperial showed promise with a four-length second to Howlingmadmurdock.
And he ran well in a better race when third to Hansard and Betfair Hurdle sixth Master Chewy over the same course and distance at the start of January.
His finishing effort, allied to his record on the Flat, make going up to two and a half miles very much the right move here, and a mark of 112 looks within range as Brendan Powell’s mount starts off in handicap hurdles.
At Wolverhampton, MUNIFICENT has plenty going for him in the opening BetUK Over 40,000 Live Streamed Races Handicap (5.00).
Chelsea Banham’s five-year-old couldn’t get involved from a wide draw at Southwell last time but won this race 12 months and a return to Dunstall Park will aid his cause.
Monday's selections
PLUMPTON
1.30 CROSSING THE BAR
2.00 EN COEUR
2.30 KLITSCHKO
3.00 TAP TAP BOOM
3.30 PRINCE IMPERIAL (NAP)
4.00 WELL VICKY
CATTERICK BRIDGE
1.45 CREATIVE CONTROL
2.15 BEAUTY TO BEHOLD
2.45 AMERICAN GERRY
3.15 FRUIT N NUT
3.45 ONE MORE FLEURIE
4.15 TEDTWO
WOLVERHAMPTON
5.00 MUNIFICENT (NB)
5.30 GLORIOUS CHARMER
6.00 SUN FESTIVAL
6.30 MOUNTAIN SONG
7.00 WAR IN HEAVEN
7.30 NOLTON CROSS
8.00 VOLTAIC
8.30 DARK TROOPER
DOUBLE: PRINCE IMPERIAL and MUNIFICENT
