Crossed My Mind is worth another chance

I was relieved to see William Henry win the Lanzarote under quite a big weight last week. He benefited from James Bowen’s 5lb claim and did very well for a horse reverting to hurdles after an absence of a few months.
As we know, the fate of all shrewd each-way bets is that they finish fourth, unless there are sixteen runners, in which case they finish fifth. Enough of that, because we don’t talk through our pocket on this page, though I must say I thought Donald McCain’s Viserion, fourth in the last at Kempton after looking sure to be placed, would have been better off in a modest handicap hurdle – but one which was worth quite a decent sum of money – at Kelso the following day, when a stable-companion finished out of the frame. The trainer knows more than I do and Viserion is worth waiting for in a modest event.

The big handicap hurdle at Ascot on Saturday is the Grade 3 Holloway’s at 2.25. I intend giving another chance to Arthur Moore’s Crossed My Mind, who was backed down to 100/30 favourite but finished third at Sandown last time. He is quite lightly raced and has the assistance of young Jonjo O’Neill, who can claim 7lb in the J P McManus colours. Crossed My Mind finished a good sixth in a big field over 2m 5f at Punchestown last spring and should not be bothered by 2m 3f+ here. I wanted Man Of Plenty to go for a lesser handicap at Taunton but connections are tempted by the prize-money here. For a few shekels he can be backed each-way, especially if you can find some 25/1 with a firm paying on the first five but I think he should have headed west.

Nicky Henderson has a stable full of young talent and one of his best novice hurdlers is SANTINI, who should continue his unbeaten run in the 4.05. The form of his more recent victory reads very well now.
I wanted Man Of Plenty to go for the Seniors Handicap Hurdle at Taunton but it was not to be. BOITE is handy on his day but tends to do best first time up and ran a splendid second at Wincanton the other day. I have to stay with him but Henderson’s Monbeg Legend is on a four-timer and it might be argued that Ned Curtis’ 5lb claim makes him the best in. He still has to handle softer ground than he is used to, however, and I hope Boite can win.

I am not one to reach for the wallet when Haydock rides heavy but they have had some sun and there may be only a few showers. I fancied Rock The Kasbah for the Coral Welsh Grand National but it was bottomless and Philip Hobbs took him out. He’d had a good prep at the course the time before and is very well in himself now. I shall go with him here, but only to small stakes with the going the way it is.