ACE jockey Graham Lee misses a host of fancied rides tomorrow after being hurt in a fall at Catterick yesterday.
The Grand National-winning jockey was involved in a three-horse pile-up in the selling hurdle and suffered a badly bruised foot.
Lee, who told me today that he will be out of action until at least the middle of next week, was to have ridden at Carlisle tomorrow for trainer Howard Johnson, who has found replacement jockeys in Tony Dobbin and Alan Dempsey.
Hard Act To Follow is not only a fitting description of Lee, but also the name of the Johnson-trained gelding who goes for the totepool Novices' Hurdle. An impressive winner at Ayr three weeks ago, he is napped to oblige again.
At Wetherby, Polar Gunner makes plenty of appeal in the Racing Post Handicap Hurdle for amateur and conditional riders.
Trained by Norton-based Malcolm Jefferson, whose horses are in good form, Polar Gunner won over fences on this course last month. The return to hurdles tomorrow should not bother him and he is fancied to score again.
Trainer Venetia Williams has her horses in terrific form and she can win the Trinidad & Tobago Handicap Chase with Lord Olympia.
The seven-year-old has returned to the fray this season in fine form. A recent victory should have teed him up nicely for this £13,000 event.
Also worthy of attention is Mughas, a useful horse on the comeback trail. He should not be overlooked in the £18,000 Antigua & Barbuda Handicap Hurdle, following his recent return to action.
While recent Cheltenham winner Joacci will be a popular choice in the £75,000 totesport Classic Chase at Warwick, it could be worth taking a chance on Sir Rembrandt, who looked to be full of running before coming to grief five from home in the Welsh Grand National on his latest start. Robert Alner's charge has been in the money in the last two Cheltenham Gold Cups.
Saturday's tips
Wetherby
12.35 Seymar Lad, 1.05 Gallant Approach, 1.35 Polar Gunner, 2.10 Lord Olympia, 2.40 Mughas, 3.10 Sound Of Cheers, 3.40 Wind Instrument.
Carlisle
1.10 Iron Man, 1.45 Hard Act To Follow (Nap), 2.15 Kinburn, 2.45 Akilak, 3.15 Birdwatch, 3.45 Edmo Yewkay.
Warwick
Televised races: 2.00 Oscar Park, 2.30 Nine De Sivola, 3.00 Sir Rembrandt, 3.30 Iris's Gift, 4.00 Roll Along.
Tomorrow's other meeting is at Lingfield (Flat).
Updated: 12:02 Friday, January 13, 2006
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