Call Me Lord not a bad supporting act

Sometimes there are genuine grounds for feeling reasonably happy about a defeat. I thought Misterton ran very well indeed in the Betfair Hurdle last week, helping to force the pace to the home turn and still pressing on in the straight until it all became too much for him at the penultimate flight. The ground was heavier than he wanted and it was his first race since November, so I think the County Hurdle looks about right.

The Warrior is an old rascal and wandered around again on his reappearance at Lingfield. You can’t rely on him but he has the ability to win a modest seven-furlong or mile handicap. It probably needs to be soon, though, so keep an eye out for him in midweek at Lingfield or Kempton.

I can’t see anything at a price this weekend. I’d like to see Waiting Patiently continue his run in the Group 2 Ascot Chase and he will carry plenty of sentimental support with Ruth Jefferson taking over following the sad passing of her father Malcolm. Top Notch is a formidable rival, however, and if they go off at around 2/1 the pair it’s a race to watch and enjoy. I was greatly taken by Waiting Patiently at Kempton last time and just favour him.

Opposing Nicky Henderson in big races on Saturdays is becoming a mite foolish and, quite apart from Top Notch, he may win the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton with Call Me Lord. The market will be interesting here, with Ch’Tibello possibly starting favourite after giving The New One more than a run for his money at Haydock. But a slog in midwinter there is not always the best guide and Ch’Tibello will be very vulnerable if Call Me Lord has improved since winning a good handicap last time. That’s the problem at present; Henderson’s team is so powerful that he can bring Buveur D’Air along gently and let his marginally second-string inmates take on the best that others have to offer.