MASTER of the Rock, whose recent run of victories has seen him take a steep hike up the weights, can make light of 11st 10lb in the Harperrig Handicap Hurdle at Musselburgh today.
John Mackie's seven year old showed fair form over hurdles and hopes were high that he would prove equally as good when he went chasing. However, that discipline did not come altogether easily to the gelding, who now finds himself back over hurdles - but in form.
After five starts over fences had failed to yield a success last term, Master of the Rock regained the winning thread on his second outing of the current campaign when winning a handicap at Sedgefield.
Now he finds himself on the threshold of a four timer after victories at Market Rasen, Catterick and over course and distance.
Last time out he gave a particularly authoritative display in accounting for Shannon Glen, going to the front three out and forging six lengths clear by the time he reached the line.
Mackie has an impressive record with his runners in Scotland and Master of the Rock can make it four wins from his last four starts.
Charming Gale can take advantage of a lenient looking weight in the Kilmany Cup Handicap Chase. Sue Bradburne's nine year old made the frame in each of her first six starts of the campaign before mopping up two handicap chases here earlier in the month.
Those were weak affairs but off just 10st 8lb, Charming Gale is tipped to complete a hat trick.
China Castle will be well served by the return to a mile and a quarter in the Carole Blackburn Handicap at Lingfield. The Patrick Haslam trained gelding is unbeaten in three outings so far in 1996.
He completed his full house of wins at the all weather tracks when arriving late on the scene to win a similar event over an extended mile at Wolverhampton, beating Theatre Magic again - this time by a length and a quarter and can defy a 5lb penalty.
. Nottingham lost its battle against frost and snow yesterday to become the 55th National Hunt meeting of the current season to fall victim to the weather. The meeting was called off after a 10.0 a.m. inspection yesterday morning.
. Yesterday's meeting at Plumpton was abandoned because of frost.
