Course form and Listed third makes Midnights' Gift appealing

2.33 Fakenham
Sculthorpe Mares' Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) | 2m | 4yo+ Sky

Solid course form is never a negative in races at Fakenham and two of the seven runners, Midnights’ Gift and A Little Chaos, have both won round the tight, turning track.

At first glance Midnights’ Gift appears to be in the grip of the handicapper, but that could prove an incorrect assumption.

Although the Alan King-trained filly finished only fourth off her mark of 130 at Market Rasen two starts ago, that race was over 2m4½f and she appeared to be running on empty after the final flight.

She comes into this race after a highly creditable Wetherby Listed-race third behind Mrs Hyde and the now 151-rated Verdana Blue, and looks the one to beat.

It’s not difficult to argue A Little Chaos could be fairly treated on 118. She graduated to handicaps off 6lb higher two starts ago – the first of which was in March 2019 – and last month’s Fakenham reappearance should have blown away the cobwebs.

That comment applies equally to the Nicky Henderson-trained Nanabelle, who weakened up the Cheltenham hill when tenth of 17 behind Tegerek on her seasonal return last month.

Twice a winner in France before moving to Lambourn, she has been dropped 12lb for two defeats and ought to prove at least highly competitive off her new mark.

Getariver, just denied at left-handed Stratford last time, could be suited by the demands of Fakenham, while Nordican Bleue has ability but also more than her share of temperament.

What they say

Alan King, trainer of Midnights' Gift
She's been running very well and we were thinking about giving her a little break but this is here. I just hope it's not one race too many because she has been busy. It was nice to get some black type last time.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Getariver
She's a lovely, honest mare and she ran really well last time when second at Stratford. I don't think she's got too many secrets from the handicapper but she's consistent over hurdles and should run well.

Noel Williams, trainer of Fantastic Ms Fox
She had a good season as juvenile and won her Listed race and ran with great credit in the Adonis. It's always a tough ask for these four-year-olds going into handicap company for the first time, but I like to think she's strengthened up over the summer and she should go well.

Richard Newland, trainer Nordican Bleue
She's talented and has loads of ability but has her quirks. This is a first run of the season for her and we're just hoping for her to go out there and run her race the best she can.
Reporting by Tom Ward

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