Feilden’s Spruce can flourish at Southwell (From The Northern Echo)

Feilden’s Spruce can flourish at Southwell

10:09am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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SPRUCE failed to make an impact in three starts in France over the last two seasons but after making an excellent impression on his British bow, he is the choice at Southwell.

Formerly trained by Criquette Head-Maarek, he was picked up by Julia Feilden for just 6,000 guineas at Tattersalls last autumn.

He duly made his debut for new connections at Lingfield last week, finishing a narrow second, when Feilden thought he was well in need of the run.

Spruce was only beaten a neck by race-fit rival Zero Cool and must surely have improved in time for the Membership At Southwell Golf Club Maiden Handicap.

Harlech Castle has developed a real affinity for Southwell and he can make it a hattrick in the Play Golf At Southwell Golf Club Handicap.

Jim Boyle’s charge seems to excel on the Fibresand surface after failing to show much on the Polytrack at Lingfield and Kempton.

Switched to Southwell last December, the five-year-old stepped up on all known form to hold Onceuponatime by a comfortable three-quarters of a length over six furlongs.

His rider did not have to ask many questions that day and his revised mark of 81 did not hold him back when following up with another verdict over Onceuponatime over the same course and distance last month.

Harlech Castle’s old rival narrowed the gap to a neck that time but Boyle’s runner had given the others a bit of a start when stumbling out of the stalls, so his run is all the more meritorious.

Raised another 4lb for that success, Harlech Castle is off 85 this time but given that he was rated in the early 90s back in 2008, the handicapper may not quite have the measure of this rejuvenated runner.

Loveinthesand came up against some fair performers in three starts on the turf last year and he is one to note as he returns to action in the Back And Lay At Betdaq Maiden Stakes.

Last seen when tackling conditions company at Doncaster in September, Loveinthesand fell well short of subsequent Group Twoplaced runner Angel’s Pursuit on the last of three outings.

Dropped back to maiden company, Loveinthesand has the experience under his belt to strike for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston.

Blue Nymph can continue her progression with victory in the racinguk.com Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle at Market Rasen.

Twice a winner on the level for Ralph Beckett, she made a good start over hurdles for John Quinn when seeing off Barwell Bridge at Doncaster nearly two weeks ago.

She is entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle and while that kind of level is some way above this, Blue Nymph looks a horse on the upgrade.

Riguez Dancer found Reindeer Dippin far too good before Christmas but compensation awaits today in Sedgefield’s totequadpot Beginners’ Chase.

He fell on his debut but put up a better round of jumping at Hexham last time and his confidence should be riding high.

■ Blue Bajan heads the 28 confirmations for Saturday’s totesport Gold Trophy at Newbury.

Andy Turnell’s versatile performer gives the weights a lop-sided look and if he was not declared on Thursday, there would be a 12lb rise.

Philip Hobbs has decided not to run his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender Menorah with Cape Tribulation, Tasheba and Micheal Flips also missing.

David Pipe holds a strong hand with Mutual Friend, Mamlook and ante-post gamble Ronaldo des Mottes.

Nicky Henderson could be represented by Spirit River and Stravinsky Dance, although the change in race times means the latter could be a doubtful runner.

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, whose father owns Stravinsky Dance, is required at Warwick to partner Long Run and would not be able to get to Newbury in time.

Race specialist Gary Moore has left in Harry Tricker, Numide and First Avenue with Jonjo O’Neill’s Get Me Out Of Here another interesting contender.

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