Frosty outlook but here are Alan’s thoughts for week-end

December 9

Both Cheltenham and Doncaster have got the go-ahead to race on Friday, following morning inspections, and, while Alan has withdrawn Call of the Wild from Town Moor, we have Restitution running on the Yorkshire track and Her Indoors taker her chance in the mares handicap chase at Prestbury Park.

Assessing their chances, Alan said:”Her Indoors jumped well on her chasing debut last month, though two miles around Bangor was too sharp, and the longer distance at Cheltenham will be more in her comfort zone.

“She finished third over the trip in a Listed hurdle at the track last April, and she schooled well on Monday.

“Restitution will find the ground in the Sea Pigeon qualifier at Doncaster much more suitable than he did the soft at Warwick last time.”

We have two runners at Cheltenham on Saturday, with Deyrann de Carjac heading for the big race over fences, the prestigious December Gold Cup, and Nina the Terrier for the mares handicap hurdle, so Alan will be hoping that Jack Frost is too severe so as to upset plans.

Alan added:”Deyrann du Carjac ran a huge race to finish fifth in last month’s Paddy Power Gold Cup over the course. He has since been tried in cheekpieces at home and looked very sharp in them on Monday, and the good ground is another plus.

“Nina the Terrier ran well for a long way in the Greatwood Hurdle at that same Cheltenham meeting, finishing fifth, and stepping back up in trip here will suit her better, as should the ground.”

We also have Loughville in action in the novice at Wolverhampton tomorrow. Alan said:”She came on plenty from her Kempton debut to finish fourth at 200-1 on this tapeta surface last month, and, being blessed with quite a bit of size about her, she should get better as she gets older.”