Bourton-on-the-Water trainer Ben
Pauling has only held a licence, in his own right, since 2013/14, but
he already has a reputation for patience, which is reflected by a
smart crop of bumper horses for 2017/18. Backing newcomers is always
something of a lottery but, on Sunday, Pauling unleashes Hero’s
Creek in the Grandnational.Fans Standard Open National Hunt Flat
Race (5.05) at Southwell and the 5-year-old looks worthy of support.
Pauling has made no secret of his
liking for the son of Kalanisi – sire of Triumph and Champion
Hurdle winner Katchit – and has reported him as looking well and
going nicely ahead of his racecourse debut after injuring his hip
last season. His trainer reportedly had a few races in mind for
Hero’s Creek in November but, once again, his patience can win the
day.
Of his opponents, Strike In Milan was
sold for 105,000 guineas after finishing second on his sole point
start last April and could go well in a first-time tongue tie,
although Tom George is going through a quiet spell, while Thibault
was third in a better race than this on his debut at Ludlow in
December, but the form has taken a few knocks since.
Selection: Southwell 5.05 Hero’s
Creek to win
