Catterick preview: Jac The Legend has a Grand chance
Published:
David Metcalf | January 14, 2016
Jac The Legend ran a blinder when runner-up last time out and can go one better to land the North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Chase at Catterick today (14.50).
The Brian Ellison trained gelding opened his account over fences at the first time of asking over 3m 1f at the track when staying on gamely to beat Itstimeforapint by 1/2 a length.
Jac The Legend backed that up with a solid second at Newcastle on his final start last season, and looked as good as ever when making a winning return to action over hurdles at Sedgefield back in October.
The seven-year-old then refused at the second last in a hurdles contest at Uttoxeter, but put that blip behind him when second of 13 to Gonalston Cloud in a 3m 1f handicap chase at this venue last month.
After being held-up off the pace, Jac The Legend made good headway to chase the leaders before the third last and kept on strongly to go down by just over two lengths.
It was a cracking effort, and one which suggested the son of Midnight Legend would appreciate the step up in trip to today’s 3m 6f.
Although Jac The Legend has been raised 3lb for that run, he remains unexposed and open to stacks more improvement after just three starts over fences and his current rating of 110 looks exploitable.
Attention Seaker to catch the eye
In the 2m 3f handicap hurdle (15.25), Attention Seaker looks decent value to open her account over the obstacles now stepped up in trip.
The Tim Easterby trained mare was a fair sort on the flat, winning over 2m at Beverley and running well to finish in the frame on several occasions.
Attention Seaker has also shaped with plenty of promise in six spins over hurdles, including when runner-up at Newcastle and a solid third in a decent contest at Wetherby.
The six-year-old also caught the eye last time out when keeping on well to finish runner-up at Kelso when appearing to be crying out for a step up in trip.
Attention Seaker now gets that, and on the pick of her form looks weighted to run a huge race off a mark of 109.
Selections
12.50: Pemba
13.20: Gully’s Edge
13.50: Sleepy Haven
14.20: William Of Orange
14.50: Jac The Legend (NAP)
15.25: Attention Seaker (NB)
15.55: Tomngerry
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