Friday, 23 February 2018

5.05 Southwell, Sunday, February 25


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

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