One runner at Hexham, Friday

Hexham 22nd March : 4.30 pm 2m 4f 0-105 Handicap Chase (Class 5)

After Pallas Lord once again ran a fine race when runner up on Monday evening at Newcastle over 7f, our attention switches back to the jumps card at Hexham on Friday where Nights In Venice will face testing conditions as well as 4 opponents in his 3rd outing over fences.
Legends In Disguise's lengthy gelding is looking to follow up on a fine victory last time out at Ayr. He seemed to idle in front there, and may be better value for his length or so victory.
Up 3lb for that success, he goes into this race with a fair bit of confidence from both the team here at Dodlands and jockey Henry Brooke.
He seems more suited to 2m 4f than the 3 miles at which he has been mainly campaigned which may reflect that his dam didn't stay a yard beyond 2 miles, despite our best efforts to prove otherwise.......

This is the time of the year for veteran handicapper Cudgel who seeks to add to his 6 victories at this course, with Return Fire appearing to have a bit to find on the form book on his last couple of runs. However, a revert to his Autumn form would put Lucinda's gelding bang in the mix and added to the drop in class,  he presents the main danger to our gelding.