Spring looks to finally be on its way with much of the UK being treated to some rare sunshine and blue skies. We start the week off with three jumps meetings from Taunton, Market Rasen and Huntingdon and it's from the South West down at Taunton that my selection comes this afternoon.
Colin Tizzard must still be on a high after Native River gave him his first triumph in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a stunning performance that will long live in the memory. The ex-dairy farmer has certainly had a much better second half to the season and I'm hoping his six-year-old LILLINGTON can get off the mark this afternoon.
This son of Westerner struggled last time out at Plumpton two weeks ago he proved a complicated ride for Tom Scudamore. He jumped right that day and eventually unseated the rider but previous to that run he was placed in a Class 4 chase over today's course and distance at Taunton.
He has shown some ability in his races and hit a very short price in running when finishing second at Wincanton back in early January.
He's been fitted with cheekpieces which should hopefully bring some improvement with his yard in excellent form having seven winners in the last two weeks. Many of his rivals today are stepping up in class and now off a mark of 105, I feel the time has come Lillington to finally get off the mark. With their currently being eight runners bidding for the £6,758 first prize I'm going to take advise an each-way bet on the 4/1 that is currently available.
