Uttoxeter preview: Solidago weighted to open account

David Metcalf | December 18, 2015

Solidago can take advantage of a drop in the weights to open his account in the 2m handicap hurdle on today’s card at Uttoxeter (14.20).

The gelding is yet to get his head in front in 14 starts over the obstacles, but did run some really solid races last year to make the frame on five occasions when trained by Stuart Crawford.

They included a second at Musselburgh off a mark of 100, and a fine third to Bernardelli at Perth off 105.

Now in the care of Barry Leavy, the eight-year-old is able to race off a career-low mark of just 91 and comes into the contest on the back of an eye-catching run last time out at Ludlow.

After being held-up well off the pace, Solidago made good headway three from home and kept on nicely to to finish a never nearer 17 length fifth of 15 to Scoppio Del Carro.

The eight-year-old was very tenderly handled on what was his second start back after 499 days on the sidelines, and should now be spot on to do himself justice.

Solidago also has the services in the saddle of Harry Challenor who is good value for his 3lb claim, and this weak class 5 contest looks a golden opportunity for the son of Vinnie Roe to finally get his head in front.

Armedanddangerous a wounded animal ahead of 2m handicap chase

In the 2m handicap chase (14.55), Armedanddangerous looks worth another chance to cash-in on his plummeting mark following a below par effort last time out.

The Tom Gretton trained gelding is on a long losing run, having not scored since beating Royal Mackintosh by 10 lengths at Newcastle back in January 2013 off a mark of 103.