Huntingdon preview: Double chance for trainer John Ferguson
Published:
Trainer John Ferguson has a tremendous strike rate at Huntingdon and can further enhance it with a double in this evening’s card courtesy of Improvisation and Father Edward.
The Newmarket-based handler has been successful with just over 64 per cent of his raiders at the venue in the past 12 months, saddling nine winners from 14 runners.
In Improvisation, he has a gelding who makes his belated debut over the obstacles in the 2m novices’ hurdle (19.20) and could prove a cut-above his rivals.
The five-year-old was a useful performer on the flat who won a strong looking 1m 2f maiden at Newmarket in good style when last seen in action two years ago.
Improvisation looked sure to go on to better things judged by the manner of that success, but suffered an injury and has clearly not been the easiest to train.
However, the fact that connections have persevered with the well-bred son of Teofilo suggestsIhe retains plenty of ability and the level of form Improvisation showed on the flat marks him out as a potentially very useful recruit to the jumping ranks.
Ferguson is also more than adept at getting one ready to go at the first time of asking, and it will be surprising if Improvisation is not fit enough to do himself justice despite having an absence of 756 days to overcome.
Father Edward runs in the 2m 4f maiden hurdle that closes the card (20.50), and looks to have been found a glorious opportunity to open his account over the obstacles.
The six-year-old was a Fontwell bumper winner on his debut back in May 2013, and has posted solid efforts to make the frame in his last three starts over hurdles.
They include an excellent second to Jack Frost at Ludlow, and a solid third to the very useful and now 139-rated Cardinal Walter in an 18-runner affair at Doncaster.
That form sets a clear standard in this line-up, and a reproduction of those efforts should be more than good enough for Father Edward to land the spoils in what is a weak looking class 5 affair.
Selections:
17.50: Native Pride
18.20: Celtic Artisan
18.50: Isthereadifference
19.20: Improvisation (NAP)
19.50: Fox Norton
20.20: Mr Cardle
20.50: Father Edward (NB)
