Market Rasen preview: Cyclop weighted to collect
Published:
David Metcalf | December 3, 2015
Cyclop was a big eye-catcher last time out, and can take advantage of what looks a lenient mark to open his account over the larger obstacles in the 2m 7f novices’ handicap chase on today’s card at Market Rasen (13.10).
The David Dennis trained gelding had some useful form to his name over hurdles last season, winning a handicap at Huntingdon off a mark of 114 before going on to finish a solid third in a class 3 contest at Wincanton off 120.
Cyclop is now able to race in this off 115 having shaped with bags of promise when third over 2m 4f at Bangor last month on just his second start over fences.
The four-year-old led early doors until losing his place and getting outpaced at the eighth before staying on again at the death and running on strongly to finish an 11 1/4 length third to Uhlan Bute.
Cyclop was gaining all the way to the line, and the step up in trip this afternoon looks sure to suit.
The son of King’s Theatre should also now be spot on to do himself justice on his third start back from a 215 day break and, granted normal improvement, this looks an excellent opportunity for Cyclop to bag a first chasing success.
Pile money into Pixiepot
In the 2m 4f handicap hurdle (14.20), Pixiepot can make the most of the weight she receives from all her rivals to land the spoils.
The Peter Niven trained mare was a bumper winner who has shown improved form over the obstacles since going handicapping.
After solid efforts to finish in the frame at Sedgefield and this venue, Pixiepot posted a career best performance last time out when chasing home Baywing at Carlisle.
Although not match for the easy winner, Pixiepot kept on well from off the pace to be nearest at the finish and beaten 10 lengths without being unduly knocked about.
In hindsight the five-year-old faced an impossible task trying to give 5lb to the now 104-rated Baywing, and it was a really solid performance which reads well in the context of this contest.
Off an unchanged mark of 94, a repeat of it is going to make Pixiepot difficult to beat of bottom weight of 10st 5lb.
Selections
12.05: Wolfcatcher
12.35: Matorico
13.10: Cyclop (NAP)
13.45: Ivans Back
14.20: Pixiepot (NB)
14.55: Vodka Island
15.30: Brinestine
