In the 2.20 at Huntingdon on Thursday, Messire Des Obeaux carries a 10lb penalty for winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury on New Year’s Eve, which could open the door for the progressive Keeper Hill. The Westerner gelding has won his last two starts over hurdles, both over 2 miles 3½ furlongs on soft going, and his most recent win has already been franked by the runner-up, Skipthecuddles. He faces far and away his most difficult task to date, but is open to improvement after just five starts in total and favoured by race conditions.
In the 2.50 at Huntingdon, Allee Bleue appeared to improve for the step up to 2 miles 4½ furlongs on heavy going at Leicester eight days ago and, while he drops back a furlong under less testing conditions, may be able to defy a 7lb penalty. Indeed, the Mount Nelson gelding is 3lb well in compared with future engagements, so his quick reappearance is no surprise.
In the 3.20 at Huntingdon, Johns Luck has won his last two starts by a short head and a neck, leaving the handicapper with little room for manoeuvre and, off a mark just 3lb higher, may be capable of completing a hat-trick. In fact, the 3lb rise is negated by Harry reed’s 7lb claim and he seems versatile with regard to underfoot conditions, so he has plenty going for him, despite the welter burden of 12st 2lb.
Selections: Huntingdon 2.20 Keeper Hill, Huntingdon 2.50 Allee Bleue, Huntingdon 3.20 Johns Luck, 1-point Win Patent