THERE is some cracking national hunt racing up and down the country this afternoon led by the meeting at Newbury and the nap bet of the day is Village Vic in the finale at 4.55.

The Phillip Hobbs-trained runner has long been touted as a possible high-class handicap chaser but has had training problems during his career.

However, he returned to the track as good as new this season kicking off with a fair third at Ascot behind Kings Lad, looking all over the winner turning for home before lack of condition told.

His subsequent fourth to Foxbridge at Ffos Las was at first glance disappointing, but the ground was horrible that day and the selection showed that form to be all wrong when making all over course and distance last time out off a mark of 120.

Given a 5lb penalty for that success, this lightly raced individual should be able to double up here before having his attention turned to some bigger prizes in better-class spring events.

The remainder of the card looks hugely competitive but I am rather keen on the claims of Handy Andy in the staying handicap chase at 3.10.

The nine-year-old has been running in some pretty hot staying events this season and indeed was far from disgraced in the Welsh National at Chepstow in December when sixth of the 19 runners behind Emperor’s Choice.

His last run, fourth at Wincanton, shows he is capable of winning off this kind of mark and I fancy he can make the most of the weight he receives from the progressive youngster No Duffer.

Earlier on, Hassle should take all the beating in the opening novice hurdle at 1.25, while Persian Snow could be worth a small each-way wager in the 2.00 now that the handicapper is beginning to show him some mercy.

At Kelso there are two big prizes up for grabs and the mare Fentara could exploit her new rating of 133 in the extended three-and-a-quarter mile handicap chase at 2.15.

The 10-year-old certainly won’t mind the drying ground and gets a narrow call over the back to form Harry The Viking.
The staying handicap hurdle at 2.50 looks a tad easier and most punters will be looking at Spookydooky.

This progressive youngster has been eased down to win his last two races but it’s worth taking a chance on Landecker now that he is upped to a real stamina sapping trip.

Finally at in the 4.55 have a second look at Cadore at an each-way price for a small yard in good form at the moment.