Oxfordshire trainer Harry Whittington has made a cracking start to the season with seven winners from 25 runners at a strike rate of 28% and can improve that record with Duke Of Medina in the Winner Ap Juvenile Hurdle (1.10) at Market Rasen on Thursday. The son of Rock Of Gibraltar made a satisfactory debut over obstacles when second, beaten 2¼ lengths, behind hot favourite Duke Street in a small race at Ludlow last month and, back on soft ground, can go one better.
Harry Whittington’s Oxfordshire neighbour Charlie Longsdon can also do little wrong so far this season, with 40 winners from 158 runners at a strike rate of 25%, and has bright prospects with Ready Token in the Winner.co.uk Handicap Chase (2.15). The Flemensfirth gelding won with any amount in hand over course and distance last month and a 9lb rise in the weights may not be enough to prevent him recording his third win from five starts.
At Musselburgh, Irish raider Winter Lion made a winning debut over hurdles at Punchestown three weeks ago and can defy a 7lb penalty on his British debut in the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Novices’ Hurdle (2.05). The Galileo gelding won a couple of times over 1 mile 6 furlongs on the Flat, but stayed on well to assert close home at the Co. Kildare track and may have more to offer.
Selections: Market Rasen 1.10 Duke Of Medina
Market Rasen 2.15 Ready Token
Musselburgh 2.05 Winter Lion
3 x win doubles, 1 x win treble