JENNY PITMAN'S stable has been generally below par this season, with Master Tribe's victory in The Ladbroke the only highlight but Silver Thyne can give her a welcome boost at Uttoxeter today.
Successful in a bumper on his only start last term, Silver Thyne had shown only moderate form over timber until his latest outing over two and a half miles at Warwick. Outstanding in the paddock beforehand, the five year old enjoyed bowling along in front and trotted up by 18 lengths from Cheerful Aspect, with the rest well strung out behind. Obviously suited by these new tactics, Silver Thyne is napped to make all in the SQ magazine Novices' Hurdle.
What's Your Story reverts to hurdling after four unsuccessful attempts over fences, having fallen on the first two starts and made several jumping errors on his two other outings.
A highly promising staying hurdler last term, What's Your Story can leave his unfortunate chasing experiences behind with victory in the Montracon Handicap Hurdle.
At Fontwell, Strong Paladin can follow up a recent Taunton success by winning the EBF Novices' Hurdle. Off the bridle at halfway at the Somerset track, Josh Gifford's novice stayed on in determined fashion to catch Master Pilgrim on the line and score by a head.
Sedgefield's Robin And John Simpson Memorial Handicap Chase should provide a sound opportunity for Cross Cannon to defy a 6lb penalty incurred for a seven length win over the same course last Tuesday.
Master Flashman can be an appropriate winner of the Mary Reveley Racing Club Novices' Chase at the County Durham track. Mrs Reveley's eight year old showed vastly improved form over course and distance last week when holding every chance throughout, only to be beaten a short head by Nijway after rallying gamely on the run in. A reproduction of that run will be good enough for Master Flashman to keep the sponsor's money at home.
. Mary Reveley and conditional rider Gary Cahill had their punishments for breaking the nontriers' rule reduced by the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee yesterday. Reveley was fined £1,000 and Cahill banned for seven days over the running and riding of Supreme Target at Sedgefield.
The disciplinary committee, while still ruling an offence had been committed, cut Reveley's fine to £600 and reduced Cahill's suspension to five days (March 20th-25th).
