Southwell preview: Carlo Rocks primed to open account

David Metcalf | December 1, 2015

Carlo Rocks posted a much improved effort when runner-up last time out and can go one better to open his account in the 3m handicap hurdle on today’s card at Southwell (13.45).

The Caroline Bailey trained gelding showed definite signs of ability in three novice hurdle runs earlier in the year under tender handling, and was clearly being brought along with handicaps in mind.

Carlo Rocks was then well-backed to make a winning debut in that sphere when returning to action over 2m 4f at this venue last month, and ran a blinder to finish a one length runner-up to Polar Brook off an opening mark of 95.

The five-year-old made a couple of costly errors, including clouting three from home when making a move, but stayed on strongly after the last to be gaining all the way to the line.

Although now 6lb higher in the weights, the front two pulled 28 lengths clear of the third home to give the form a solid look.

Carlo Rocks shaped as if well-ahead of the assessor, and the step up in trip looks sure to suit given the way the son of Carlo Bank finished off the race.

He also remains unexposed and open to plenty of progression after just four starts, and if building on is latest effort this looks an excellent opportunity for Carlo Rocks to bag a first success.

Eighth time lucky for Singlefarmpayment?

In the 3m novices’ hurdle (13.15), Singlefarmpayment looks to hold outstanding claims of landing the spoils.

The Tom Tracey trained gelding is yet to get his head in front in seven starts over the obstacles, but has run some solid races to make the frame on four occasions.