Mahler's Star is an interesting runner for Bridgwater

They go at both at Ayr and Plumpton this afternoon with Mahler’s Star (2.00) a fascinating runner for trainer David Bridgewater at the latter and given the nod to shed the maiden tag over timber in the opening 2m Maiden Hurdle.

The selection made a promising debut under rules when finishing second in a similar contest at Towcester earlier in the month and should trip fitter to go one better under Tom Scudamore.

The pair can complete doubles with Saffron Prince (2.30) in the 2m Handicap Chase.

The selection has made two starts since returning from an absence of seven months earlier in the campaign, finishing down the field at Ludlow before putting in a much improved effort when third last time out at Kempton. The form of that race looks strong and the handicapper has given him a chance by dropping him 6lb for those two runs. He was second from the same mark when narrowly beaten on similar ground over hurdles last term at Warwick and must go close from the same mark over the larger obstacles.

Dan Skelton seldom sends runners up to Ayr but looks to have two live chances in the opening pair of races with Fairytale Theatre fancied to better Captain Hox in a match for the opening Novices’ Chase and point-to-point graduate Oldgrangewood (2.10) well placed to score in the following Maiden Hurdle over the minimum trip.

The selection changed hands for 70,000 Euros after winning his sole point in Ireland last spring, and made a pleasing debut for new connections when second in a Novices’ Hurdle at Market Rasen in November. He was far from disgraced running in a much stronger contest last time out at Newbury and should go close back in calmer waters.

The likely strong pace in the 2m Handicap Hurdle shout suit the pair of Sendiym and Hatton Springs (2.40) with the latter given the nod on his preferred soft ground.

The selection scored for the Cotherds two starts back over course and distance and, whilst disappointing last time out at Sedgefield, is chanced to bounce back and remain competitive from a 6lb higher mark.

Nicky Richards’ Takingrisks (3.15) was a NR last week on Morebattle Hurdle day at Kelso but gets better ground this afternoon and should go close in the handicap hurdle over two and three quarter miles. The selection score impressively over course and distance in similarly conditions in a Maiden Hurdle at the track last month and could be potentially chucked-in from an opening mark of 122.

Lucinda Russell’s Kilbree Chief (4.20) has been a runner-up in all three starts this term, running excellent races in defeat in competitive handicap chases at Kelso, Ayr and Carlisle and can make it fourth time lucky over fences under regular partner Peter Buchanan.

The selection chased home the well-supported Subtle Grey last time out at Carlisle on his first attempt at three miles, seeing the trip out well, and should prove even better over today’s trip of three and a quarter miles.

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