'We know what you need to win it' - Ben Pauling taking aim at River Don again

Ben Pauling knows exactly the required type for Saturday’s River Don Novices’ Hurdle (2.45) at Doncaster and hopes progressive handicapper Not At Present will fit the bill.

Pauling has won the Grade 2 event, sponsored by Albert Bartlett, in three of the last six years, a run kicked off by Barters Hill in 2016, followed by Nadaitak in 2019 and The Cob last year.

Not At Present, owned by Rachel and John Brodie, was unplaced in four starts over hurdles last season but picked up the winning thread in handicap company this season, winning four and finishing second twice in six starts since August.

2.45 Doncaster: Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle racecard

He is a general 14-1 shot for the River Don, with the Henry Daly-trained Hillcrest heading the betting at 2-1 for the 3m½f contest.

Pauling said: “Not At Present has had a funny route to this point. He was big and backward last season but he’s got the hang of things, gone up through the handicap ranks this season, and doesn’t find things too hard.

“He could just find the improvement to be competitive at the weekend and we know the type you need to win it, so hopefully he is that. The River Don is a real stamina test and you need a handicapper with experience.”

Ben Pauling: 'He could just find the improvement to be competitive'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Pauling, successful with potential Albert Bartlett hope Bowtogreatness at Leicester on Tuesday, will saddle another well-regarded novice Harper’s Brook in the Grade 2 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The six-year-old, owned by the Megsons, failed to fire when fourth in the Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown last month, having previously won on his hurdling debut at Carlisle and finished a close third to Hillcrest in a bumper the previous season.

Pauling said: “We were disappointed with him at Sandown but we think he has huge ability, so hopefully he can get back on track on Saturday.”

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