OPERATION MANNA gets the Nap vote for a winning return in the Watkins And Gunn Solicitors Handicap Hurdle (3.30) at Chepstow today.
The Tom Lacey-saddled son of Champs Elysees, a bumper winner at Worcester in August of last year, finished second on his belated obstacles debut at Sandown Park last February.
But the six-year-old went one better in a soft-ground maiden hurdle at Exeter the following month, staying on stoutly to beat Light Em Up Nigel by three-quarters of a length.
The British Horseracing Authority assessor has given my selection a mark of 112 for his first start in handicaps.
That could prove lenient and, with Stan Sheppard’s mount likely to relish his the step up two an extended to miles and three furlongs – he has done his racing thus far at around the minimum trip – Operation Manna should prove a success.
At Ascot, SOLO is strongly fancied to keep Paul Nicholls’ good run of form going by beating four opponents for the Racing Welfare Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (12.55).
The six-year-old son of Kapgarde carries a 7lb penalty for a five-length margin from Git Maker at Sandown Park 12 days ago, and that may not enough to stop Harry Cobden’s partner from going in again.
Friday's tips
CATTERICK BRIDGE
12.10 SURE TOUCH
12.45 THE CHURCHILL LAD
1.20 RELKADAM
1.55 MAC SUIBHNE
2.30 BALLYPOREEN
3.05 MOROZOV COCKTAIL
3.37 MOONSHINE SPIRIT
ASCOT
12.20 CRAMBO
12.55 SOLO (NB)
1.30 KANDOO KID
2.05 REVELS HILL
2.40 BOBHOPEORNOHOPE
3.15 GET BACK GET BACK
3.50 BUTTSBURY LADY
CHEPSTOW
12.35 BOBO MAC
1.10 HOLD UP LA COLMINE
1.45 BALLYBOUGH NORA
2.20 PICKS LAD
2.55 MARTA DES MOTTES
3.30 OPERATION MANNA (NAP)
4.00 GO WEST
KEMPTON PARK
4.10 ALWAYS FEARLESS
4.40 REBEL ANGEL
5.15 RAINBOW SKY
5.45 INNER SPACE
6.15 BONKERSINABUNDANCE
6.45 BURENA
7.15 BRASCA
7.45 TOP SECRET
8.15 ALAFDHAL
DAILY DOUBLE: OPERATION MANNA and SOLO
