Race of the Day on Sky Sports activities Racing: Sue Smith group can rating once more in Newcastle function with The Paddy Pie | Racing Information

Mike Cattermole provides his verdict on probably the most priceless race on Newcastle’s Nationwide Hunt card, stay on Sky Sports activities Racing on Thursday at 2.48pm.

The Comply with @attheraces on Twitter Handicap Chase over two-and-a-half miles is probably the most priceless race on the Newcastle card and it sees the short reappearance of Hidden Commander after his recreation win over the course and distance every week in the past. He has a 7lb penalty to beat.

THE GROUNDWORK

Heavy rain for many of the day on Tuesday amounted to 14mm general with the same quantity forecast in a single day and into race day itself. The present good, good to delicate in locations would possibly change to good to delicate or probably softer come race time as it’s the penultimate contest of the day.

CONTENDERS

Slanelough

Skilled chaser with three wins from 24 begins over fences who received a match right here final March however has been nicely held since, together with after a six-month break at Ayr. Usually likes to front-run and is arguably higher at across the minimal journey.

Geryville

Ex-French chaser who joined Micky Hammond in the beginning of the final marketing campaign and commenced with a convincing win over simply wanting this journey at Wetherby.

Was largely despatched over three miles after that and gained one other win on this course when he rallied late to get the higher of The Ferry Grasp in March.

Carried out very respectably on his current reappearance at Wetherby, once more over three miles, tiring on the run-in and shaping as if he simply wanted the run. Began favorite that day, too. Dropping again in journey however might need extra to supply and is way revered.

Hidden Commander

Deserves credit score for digging deep over the course and distance every week in the past when getting the higher of latest ex-French recruit Heroique De Maulde, the pair pulling 11 lengths clear.

Has a 7lb penalty to beat in the present day which is 2lb greater than his new mark. Additionally, the bottom this time is prone to be considerably softer than final week and that will make it more durable for him as he appears simpler on a sounder floor.

Da Vinci Hand

His two wins within the UK have each been over two miles and at Catterick, though he does appear to remain this journey. Off since March when he bled from the nostril and might be finest watched in the present day.

The Paddy Pie

Distinguished racer who has loads of expertise and is racing over what’s arguably his finest journey.

A very good second at Wetherby final January wasn’t actually constructed on and as a consequence he has slipped to a really affordable mark now. He returned to Wetherby for his reappearance run – his first for eight months – and formed nicely earlier than fading after leaping the second final.

The steady kind has been a large concern these days however there have been indicators that issues are beginning to flip the nook and, yesterday at Hexham, they had been again among the many winners for the primary time in months. With each the journey and softening floor now in his favour, this might nicely be the time to catch him.

Rowdy Rustler

Chase debut for him in the present day and has his first run since a wind operation (his second) however Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore are in terrific kind with loads of winners these days.

Final seen successful right here over the identical distance over hurdles in February. Likes to make the working and is worthy of respect – and in addition a detailed examine within the betting!

VERDICT

Hidden Commander did nicely right here final week however situations will likely be harder for him this time. Geryville is revered however the suspicion is that he could also be suited by a bit additional.

Now that the Sue Smith group is again among the many winners, the attractively handicapped The Paddy Pie is the decide, though the 8/1 is now lengthy gone.