Nap of the Day: Take 7/4 about lightly-raced novice on Friday

We got off the mark for 2025 in no uncertain terms on Thursday as the Nap of the Day bolted up at Ayr - and we're staying in Scotland 24 hours later bidding for a double.

Five go to post for this novices' handicap chase over just shy of three miles at Musselburgh on Friday, including Lucinda Russell's INOX ALLEN.

The seven-year-old son of Masked Marvel made an encouraging start over fences at Uttoxeter in November and is taken to build on that here in Scotland.

He was third in Staffordshire behind an in-form Olly Murphy runner, staying on strongly after racing keenly in rear for the majority of the contest. He certainly caught my eye in the closing stages.

The £40k purchase has always promised to be a better chaser than he was a hurdler. He fetched that sum after winning his sole start between the flags in May 2023 and six months later got off the mark at the first attempt under rules with a comfortable maiden hurdle success at Hexham.

He then went 2-2 with victory at Ayr that December, but had wind surgery just a few days later and was sidelined for a further 65 days, before being highly-tried on his return in Grade 2 company in desperate conditions at Haydock.

Given the circumstances, I'm inclined to put a line through that - and his subsequent start at Newcastle, although less excusable, was at the end of a long and interrupted season and can be forgiven also.

He could have a lot more to give off a mark of 124 - reduced by one for his exploits last time out - now he's doing what he was bought to do. He's only raced five times under rules and twice over three miles, so he's about as unexposed as they get at his age.

The main danger to the selection is undoubtedly Roger Pol for Jamie Snowden. He could also be ahead of the handicapper, though he's a lot more exposed and this trip on soft ground is a complete unknown.

Autumn Return has half a chance on his best form, but he's proving inconsistent for Ruth Jefferson - while I'd be disappointed if Cardamon Hill or Leading Force were up to winning this.

I think it looks a great opportunity for Inox Allen to get off the mark over fences and begin climbing the handicap ranks.

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