Worcester preview: Kayf Willow can collect under in-form Johnson

Jockey Richard Johnson has made a flying start to the new jumps season, and Kayf Willow can provide him with another success in the 2m handicap hurdle on this evening’s seven-race card at Worcester (21.10).

The Philip Hobbs trained mare opened her account at the second time of asking when landing a bumper at Exeter in good style back in April, and looked a nice prospect when following-up on her hurdling debut at Wetherby.

Kayf Willow took a keen hold early and made a mistake two from home but only had to be driven out to score readily by six lengths.

The six-year-old backed that up with a solid 1/2 length second to Magic Magnolia at Stratford last time out, looking all over the winner when clear at the last only to get collared close home.

However, it was a solid effort trying to give the 107-rated winner 16lb and the pair pulled 16 lengths clear of the third home.

It gives the form a solid look and makes Kayf Willow look nicely treated on handicap debut off an opening mark of 111, especially as she remains unexposed after just four starts and open to plenty more improvement.

The Hobbs/Johnson team also look to have leading claims of landing the 2m 4f novice chase which opens proceedings (17.50) with Risk A Fine.

The six-year-old was a fairly useful hurdler who created a good impression when winning on his debut over the larger obstacles at Market Rasen last month.

Risk A Fine raced freely and made all to beat Stephen Hero by 17 lengths, and apart from a blunder two out put in an excellent round of jumping.

The runner-up is a decent sort who won next time out to give the form a boost, and it was a performance which suggested Risk A Fine was worth keeping onside.