Some Plan can come together in Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle

David Metcalf | May 7, 2016

Some Plan shaped really well last time out and looks the answer to a typically competitive renewal of the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle on a cracking mixed card at Haydock (14:15).

The gelding is a lightly-raced and unexposed sort who has caught the eye in in all four runs since joining trainer Paul Nicholls.

In the first of those, the eight-year-old travelled strongly before weakening late on to finish fifth of 10 to Lil Rockerfeller at Sandown.

Some Plan went on to finish a fine 2 3/4 length fourth of 21 to Jolly’s Cracked It in a valuable and ultra-competitive handicap at Ascot, where after being held-up in midfield he made stealthy headway on the inside three from home and loomed up looking the likely winner until a mistake at the second last stopped him in his tracks.

The son of Winged Love was then far from disgraced when 16th of 26 in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, travelling well for much of the contest, and posted a cracking effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last month when keeping on well to finish a 3 1/4 length fourth of 13 to Ch’tibello.

It was a performance which suggested Some Plan had a big prize like this in him, and he now meets the winner on slightly better terms. He also has the services of the useful Jack Sherwood in the saddle, who is good value for his 5lb claim.

Sweet on the chances of So Beloved