Can Della Casa Lunga back up after just eight days off - and who poses the main threat?

It can pay to be wary of horses who ran a huge race after wind surgery and then turn up as a hot favourite next time. The reasoning behind it is that they must have been fully wound up to have gone so well after an operation and are often overbet to improve on their victory again.

That theory will be put to the test here because Della Casa Lunga was successful on her first start following surgery at Kempton last week and returns just eight days later. She is 12lb clear on adjusted Racing Post Ratings and may not necessarily need a career best to win, so can she back up the run so soon after?

Trainer Clive Boultbee-Brooks has a modest record of just two wins from 26 runners when sending horses back to the track within eight days of a win, but if there is a horse who can buck the trends it's probably her.

Nicky Henderson won this nine years ago with Polly Peachum, who was his only runner in that time, so it looks significant that he is back to saddle just one horse this year. Aston Martini returns to race against her own sex after a poor run in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury.

Her record against fellow mares reads three wins from four, but her one disappointing run in that sequence came over course and distance in February, when she was beaten 42 lengths.

Georgi Girl has the best piece of course form, having scored by 19 lengths over two miles here nearly a year ago, and has since proved she stays this far with a win at Warwick in November. She was beaten off a career-high mark last time at Cheltenham, but not by far.

The return here will suit and the same can be said for Good Look Charm, who was successful over course and distance last month but has a lot to find with the best of these on today's terms.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Nice spot for Della?

Della Casa Lunga makes a quick turnaround having won at the Christmas festival at Kempton just eight days ago but looks to have been found a nice spot to gain some all important black type if those exertions have not taken their toll.

Della Casa Lunga won at Kempton eight days agoCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Jockey Richard Patrick knows all about smart hurdlers, having won the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton last year on Nemean Lion.

He said: "Della Casa Lunga did it nicely at Kempton and this looks a nice opportunity for her to get some black type in the book. It's a quick turnaround for her but Clive and his team have been happy with her since so hopefully she can go in again."

What they say

Willy Twiston Davies, assistant to Nigel, trainer of Dameofthecotswolds
It's a competitive race, but hopefully she can pick up some black type. She's come out of her last win at Doncaster in good shape and the track should suit her.

Philip Hobbs, joint-trainer of Georgi Girl
This is the right trip and ground for her. She's in good form and hopefully can run into a place.

Anthony Honeyball, trainer of Good Look Charm
She's slightly out of it ratings-wise, but there weren't many declarations so we've decided to have a go. She won first time out at Sandown this season on wetter ground than she will experience this time. The mare ran a whole series of good races in valuable handicaps last season, including the Lanzarote. It would be nice to pick up some black type with her.
Reporting by David Milnes

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