The selection was only seventh in the Greatwood Hurdle last month but Nicky Henderson’s runners have been improving for a run
“Improved for a run” has been a common theme for Nicky Henderson’s winners in the last month or so and the phrase may be heard again after Countister (3.35) lines up in the Betfair Exchange Trophy, the valuable handicap hurdle that closes Ascot’s Christmas card. She was only seventh in the Greatwood last month but two places in front of her was her stablemate Dame De Compagnie, who improved by about a stone to score last weekend.
Countister, who also carries the colours of JP McManus, put up a remarkable effort to be third in the County Hurdle in March, her first run for a full year. This is a hot race but she should be able to get involved.
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Lingfield
11.45 Katherine Place 12.20 Chitra 12.55 Rhubarb Bikini 1.30 Lucymai 2.00 Dubai Warrior 2.35 Busy Street 3.10 Miss Pollyanna