The National Hunt season steps up a grade today with good cards at both Aintree and Chepstow. Although it's bit early to be thinking of March, one can't help opening a notebook with a view to Cheltenham. Chepstow is an underrated track but early season races there can often be a good guide to a horse's ability to handle undulations and stiff fences. Paul Nicholls seems to concur looking at his squadron of runners. With Ruby on board the tissue favourite in almost each race, the layers appear suitably perturbed. Although Pride of Dulcote and Tantiano have already won this week, it's too early to be taking firm positions, particularly with Alfie Sheerin, who looks too short in a hot handicap.
Aintree is a different proposition but nevertheless another difficult track. Tartak and Noble Alan are very much of interest today and should be worth following throughout season. With March in mind, one of last season heroes Dunguib makes his hurdling debut at Galway tomorrow. One of the best ever bumper winners, his putative progress will be monitored closely here and and looking forward to a regular in-house insight which can be gleaned from Philip Fenton's blog on the Racing Post.
enjoy......
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