ROCCO ROYALE can continue where he left off last season with a win on his seasonal bow in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Hurdle (3.05) at Lingfield.
Jonjo O’Neill’s charge opened his account on his third hurdle start in April with a fine success in a novice event at Fontwell. He won a shade comfortably that day by two lengths, beating Scene One and Double Click, and those pursuers have both followed up since, each winning twice
So the form has shaped up well, and with a move into handicaps the five-year-old looks sure to improve further. The trip of two miles, three and a half furlong furlongs will also suit him.
ROGUE SOLDIER will be a tough nut to crack in the Celebrate Christmas At Chelmsford City Racecourse Handicap (8.30) over a mile and two furlongs at Chelmsford.
It will be his second attempt in handicap company, having been beaten a short head and a neck when third on his first try at Kempton in August over seven furlongs.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decadeTom Clover’s three-year-old won a maiden at Wolverhampton on his most recent start and despite a 4lb rise in the weights he can score again.
Monday's selections
AYR
11.50 ROCHEVAL
12.20 HOMBRE DE GUERRA
12.50 ESPRIT DU POTIER
1.20 READYSTEADYBEAU
1.50 DUNNET HEAD
2.20 ANNAGHBEG
2.50 AUBIS WALK
3.20 DUYFKEN
LINGFIELD
12.35 JURI
1.05 JEUNE BELLE
1.35 FOXEY
2.05 CHANDLERS BAY
2.35 MOONLIGHTER
3.05 ROCCO ROYALE (NAP)
3.35 FELTON BELLEVUE
CHELMSFORD
5.00 TRANQUILITY
5.30 RISING FORCE
6.00 MRS MORRELL
6.30 PERSIAN BLUE
7.00 Q TWENTY BOY
7.30 HIERONYMUS
8.00 GOT NO DOLLARS
8.30 ROGUE SOLDIER (NB)
DOUBLE: ROCCO ROYALE and ROGUE SOLDIER