Past Winners » Act Of Kalanisi

19th-Feb-2011

I am also backing Act Of Kalanisi. Dr Richard Newland’s gelding looked like a potentially high class novice when beat Secret World and Dona on his first run over hurdles at Newbury in November, form that has since been franked by both the second and the third. He did disappoint in the Challow Hurdle on his next run, but that race saw some of the best two-and-a-half-mile novices this year take each other on, and Act Of Kalanisi ran a lot better in the Tolworth Hurdle on his next start, when a mistake at the third flight didn’t help.

He should find this company much more manageable, and a mark of 130 is not harsh for his handicap debut. The two-and-a-half-mile trip should be ideal, his trainer’s horses are in good form and David Bass is excellent value for his 5lb claim. He is only five, he has raced just three times over hurdles, and he has plenty of scope for progression. With Lough Derg in the line up, he surely won’t lead, but it might just suit him to sit in just behind the pace. He could run a big race today.

ACT OF KALANISI WON (ADV 10/1, SP 10/1)