Richards looking for Ned to run up Three Timer at Mussleburgh
Nicky Richards will be hoping his SIMPLY NED can complete a hat-trick today as he runs in the days most valuable race, a class three handicap Hurdle at Mussleburgh at 2.20pm.
Only a neck second on his bumper debut, he has won both his subsequent hurdle outings, winning by seven lengths from Civil Unrest at Kelso, then eased down even though winning by 9 lengths at Sedgfield last time out when expected to do so as 4/9 favourite. He is a better price today on his handicap bow on a mark of 117 which doesn’t look unreasonable but at the same time doesn’t look harsh. Around 11/4 looks a price worth taking.
Elsewhere a couple to watch out for at Taunton. Nick Williams has a pair entered in the 12.30 Mares Novice Hurdle. SWINCOMBE FLAME will be plenty short enough to beat Emma Lavell’s Elegant Touch, but it is his other runner LADY EVERYWHERE who can be backed as big as 8/1 for a place on Betfair who takes the eye. Not seen on the track for 12 months, she may not get to her stable mate but would pay handsomely to not be far behind.
Finally in the following race at 1.00pm, WINE ‘N DINE has put in a couple of promising handicap appearances this season and finds himself in a slightly easier race from a mark of 99.