'This is a good race for him' - On The Blind Side given golden opportunity

Friday: 2.25 Lingfield
Cazoo Hurdle | 2m7f | 5yo+ | ITV4/Sky

On The Blind Side bids to bolster Nicky Henderson's prize-money figure and, with so many promising young hurdlers in his yard and Shishkin ready to roll on Saturday, it might be Henderson, and not Dan Skelton, who will prove to be Nicholls' main title challenger.

On The Blind Side doesn't need to lead, but he is another who looks suited by small-field events and five of his seven wins have come in races with less than ten runners.

Top Ville Ben also liked to make the running over fences and he could be a pace angle on his return to hurdles so, if those three do get into an early competition, the race could fall the way of Emitom, who hasn't won in nearly two years but won't be in any hurry in the early stages.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

National the aim for Top Ville Ben

The lure of handsome prize-money led to Phil Kirby temporarily switching his Grand National contender Top Ville Ben to hurdles.

The ten-year-old, who finished third in Wetherby's Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase last time, needs plenty of racing to keep him ripe.

"We're hoping he might be able to go for the Grand National this year, although that is not a definite," said Kirby. "This will be his first run over hurdles since April last year. He needs some racing and this race fills a hole. It's a small field so it's well worth having a go.

"He's on an 8lb lower mark over hurdles but I'm not sure that's because he's improved – he's probably just better over fences."

What they say

Brian Barr, trainer of Dan McGrue
We've no chance on the ratings but the money is so good. Trainers are always moaning about poor prize-money and yet there's only five runners. I'm hoping there's a non-runner or two and we pick up some decent money.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of On The Blind Side
He's in good form and this is a good race for him. It was tough for him last time but up until then he had been great.

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Emitom
We're switching back to hurdles as Brian Hughes said he didn't seem to enjoy chasing last time. He's in good order and still seems to retain his best form, so he should have a big chance.

Friday's race previews:

1.50 Lingfield: Can Eclair D'Ainay back up Wetherby win for the Skeltons in £50,000 event?

3.00 Lingfield: 'The boys who own him are quite excited about this' - novice chase quotes

3.35 Lingfield: 'The Irish could have a bit in hand' - who fears the raiders in £100k handicap?

6.15 Dundalk: Group 1 winner Thunder Moon warms up for Saudi target in classy conditions event

Meydan: O'Meara's admirable stalwart Lord Glitters bids for another Meydan victory

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