Market Rasen preview: Cyclop weighted to collect

David Metcalf | December 3, 2015

Cyclop was a big eye-catcher last time out, and can take advantage of what looks a lenient mark to open his account over the larger obstacles in the 2m 7f novices’ handicap chase on today’s card at Market Rasen (13.10).

The David Dennis trained gelding had some useful form to his name over hurdles last season, winning a handicap at Huntingdon off a mark of 114 before going on to finish a solid third in a class 3 contest at Wincanton off 120.

Cyclop is now able to race in this off 115 having shaped with bags of promise when third over 2m 4f at Bangor last month on just his second start over fences.

The four-year-old led early doors until losing his place and getting outpaced at the eighth before staying on again at the death and running on strongly to finish an 11 1/4 length third to Uhlan Bute.

Cyclop was gaining all the way to the line, and the step up in trip this afternoon looks sure to suit.

The son of King’s Theatre should also now be spot on to do himself justice on his third start back from a 215 day break and, granted normal improvement, this looks an excellent opportunity for Cyclop to bag a first chasing success.

Pile money into Pixiepot

In the 2m 4f handicap hurdle (14.20), Pixiepot can make the most of the weight she receives from all her rivals to land the spoils.

The Peter Niven trained mare was a bumper winner who has shown improved form over the obstacles since going handicapping.