'He's in canny fettle' - can Nietzsche bounce back in competitive hurdle?

Monday: 2.40 Catterick
Happy 50th Dawn Callaghan Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qualifier) | 1m7½f | 4yo+ | RTV

There's no need to worry about lack of pace in this eight-runner affair with perennial trailblazer Tonto’s Spirit almost certain to set a strong gallop.

The 15-time winner may have become pigeonholed as a Cartmel specialist where he has triumphed on seven occasions, but he also has two Catterick successes on his CV.

He’s likely to need this first run since September, and his tearaway tactics should set the race up for a rival who sits off the pace.

First Impression, a five-year-old with relatively low mileage over hurdles, fits the bill.

The youngest member of the party has been dropped 2lb after a creditable third to Champion Hurdle aspirant Tommy’s Oscar at Musselburgh in Class 2 company on New Year’s Day.

Tommy’s Oscar has since bolted up in the Haydock Champion Hurdle Trial, and First Impression faces nothing of that calibre.

Proven good-ground performer Timberman should get his preferred conditions, and also merits strong consideration off a mark 6lb higher than when notching his latest victory at Kempton in November.

Kannapolis hasn’t always found a great deal in a finish, but thrashed Sorbet by nine lengths at Warwick in November 2020.

He returned from a 13-month spell on the sidelines to chase home Rowland Ward at Kempton over Christmas and, although a 2lb rise demands more, Toby Lawes’s gelding could be open to a bit more improvement.

Mick Maestro and Nietzsche are both course-and-distance winners, while punters considering a bet on Gennady do so in the knowledge that he refused to race on his last intended start.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Nick Kent, trainer of Mick Maestro
He’s back in trip but if we get the rain they say is coming, that will play to his strengths, and also he’s down in class, which should help. The only negative is that he has top weight but he likes the track, so it made good sense to go back there.

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Timberman
He’s missed a few engagements of late due to soft ground and also a bruised foot, but is ready to roll again. He’s a very consistent horse who will like the good ground.

Toby Lawes, trainer of Kannapolis
The plan is to get him qualified for the final of the Challenger series at Haydock in April, and hopefully he can run well. The track will be sharp enough for him but he goes there in great shape and hopefully he can be in the mix.

John Quinn, trainer of First Impression
We gave him a spin on the Flat the other day but he was drawn wide and could never get involved. He’d run very well over hurdles before that, so hopefully he can return to that level and there’s no reason why not as he’s very consistent.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Nietzsche
We're giving him a spin over hurdles to mix it up a bit and he's in canny fettle at home. The only negative would be if they get a lot of rain.

Dianne Sayer, trainer of Tonto’s Spirit
If they get the rain they say is forecast he won’t be running, but if there is some good in it we may go. He’s back over hurdles after a few modest runs over fences and we are just trying something different. He’s been a tremendous servant for us and you have to look after the old ones.
Reporting by David Milnes

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets