Thursday Talking Points: David Ord looks ahead to the day's racing
David Ord looks ahead to Thursday's action and a race where Ben Pauling traditionally unleashes a big gun.
History says turn to the Captain
1535 Warwick
Trainers are creatures of habit when it comes to their better horses. They know where they want to start them off and Ben Pauling likes the M-Tec Consulting Group Standard Open NH Flat Race at Warwick.
He won it in 2014 with Barters Hill, the horse who put him on the training map. 12 months later it was Willoughby Court's turn to showcase his fledgling talents.
This time around step forward The Captains Inn.
A 220,000 euro purchase and second in an Irish point-to-point, he clearly comes with lofty expectations as well as a price tag but it must be significant he starts out here.
Earlier in the week there was talk of Nicky Henderson running one of his star turns among a bumper - well bumper - team at Seven Barrows. He plumped for Versatility in the Bobs Worth silks and he clearly needs watching.
But this is the race for a Pauling A-Lister and on pedigree, point-to-point form and appearance through the sales ring, The Captains Inn has what it takes.
Lovett out to strike for Munir
1325 Warwick
It's been a busy week for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede who sold their brad of broodmares - including Ma Filleule and Gitane Du Berlais - at Arqana for over one million euros.
Their focus is to be on the track and it's quickly back to business with Mrs Lovett in the eventmasters.co.uk Lady Godiva Mares' Novices' Chase.
Gordon Elliott sends her over for this Listed prize on the back of wins at Thurles and Fairyhouse and she's open to more improvement as a chaser.
She'll need to find it here as Jester Jet and Atalanta Breeze boast significantly stronger form to date but it's who Mrs Lovett represents that excites punters.
Elliott and Daryl Jacob in the two shades of green. It can be a recipe for success.
Hunter ready to take step forward
1315 Newcastle
Lucinda Russell has seen most things in this great game but even she must have been scratching her head at Aintree on Saturday when her Randox Health Grand National winner, One For Arthur, unseated rider at the third on his eagerly-awaited return to action.
But he'll be back and in the meantime, keep an eye on stablemate Highland Hunter in the 188Bet Casino Novices' Hurdle at Newcastle.
Here's a rising star for the team who was useful as a bumper performer (tenth in the Grade Two at Aintree in April). But he's going to even better over timber.
He made a winning start at Ayr, travelling strongly and finishing powerfully to slam Derriana Spirit by four-and-a-half lengths.
He's all about stamina and goes up two furlongs in trip here. Court Master and Diger Daudaie are similarly promising types but Highland Hunter is a very exciting prospect and one to get in the My Stable trackers now.
Prey can swoop at first attempt
Birds Of Prey made good progress on the Flat for Paul Nicholls this season but now it's time for the day job.
He makes his debut over timber in division two of the Kings College Novices' Hurdle at Taunton and appeals as the sort to go a long way.
The ability is clearly there, as is a mix of speed and stamina that will stand him in good stead.
He handles cut in the ground and has been found the ideal starting point by his peerless trainer here. Tougher days lie ahead but it will be disappointing if he isn't up and running at the first attempt.
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