Hurricane set to take Southwell by storm

Grand National winning trainer Dr Richard Newland has his team in terrific shape, and Young Hurricane holds solid claims of providing him with another winner in the 2m 5f handicap chase on Southwell’s seven-race twilight card (5.10).

The Newmarket handler has a 50% strike rate with his runners at the venue in the past 12 months, and in Young Hurricane has a gelding that has been knocking on the door of late.

The eight-year-old has finished runner-up in his last two starts, and was arguably unlucky not to score at Sedgfield last week when kicking for home a long way out and getting collared close home to be beaten 1/2 a length.

The son of Oscar now gets into this contest off 1lb lower, and if ridden with a bit more restraint looks weighted to gain a deserved success.

Queen Olivia showed much improved form when runner-up over course and distance last week and is strongly fancied to go one better in the 2m handicap hurdle (6.15).

The Caroline Bailey trained mare went down by just a length to the well-treated Edmaaj, with the pair pulling 3 3/4 lengths clear of the third.

The six-year-old now gets into this weaker looking contest off the same mark of 98, and that gives the daughter of King’s Theatre every chance of opening her account.

At Reception scored in good style at the track last month and may well have got in lightly as he bids to follow-up on his handicap debut (7.15).

Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding finished runner-up to Wilde Blue Yonder, who is now rated 145 over hurdles, in a bumper at Uttoxeter back in November and gets into this contest off an opening mark of just 111.

The seven-year-old came good at the second time or asking over hurdles when scoring with more in hand than the winning margin of 1/2 a length suggests over 2m 5f here, and the step up to 3m 1f looks sure to suit.

Selections:
4.40: Long Wave
5.10: Young Hurricane (NAP)
5.40: Uncle Tom Cobley
6.15: Queen Olivia (NB)
6.45: Sir Valentino
7.15: At Reception
7.45: Colebrooke