15:25 Wetherby
Saturday 14 January 2017
All12:3013:0513:4014:1514:5015:2515:55
Book Now For Medieval Day - 4th February Handicap Chase (Qualifier for the Northern Lights Middle Distance Chase Series)
- 5YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 3f 85y | Good to Soft (Good in places) | 10 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 15:27 | Winning time: 5m 15.2s
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The handicapper has had the measure of this veteran since his most recent win, which came at Southwell in June 2015. However, despite some good subsequent runs he remains 4lb above that latest successful pitch and cannot be supported with real confidence.
Handles soft ground, though arguably better on a sound surface. Nonetheless, his trainer has done well with him and over his optimum trip he has claims, though will probably need to be at his best.
Won over hurdles here on good to soft over two miles a couple of years ago, though both chase wins have come at Uttoxeter on slower ground. Gets this trip and improvement not beyond him, but will need that if he is to defy a career-high mark.
Sole success under rules came when trained in Ireland. Current trainer placed him to make the frame at Warwick in September, but has crashed out twice since and now has plenty to prove.
Failed to build on a decent effort over course and distance when returning to this track for a second time in December. Was good enough to win a Grade Three juvenile hurdle less than a year ago in Ireland and if trainer can tap into that ability then there are chases to be won. However, they may come on other days.
Both wins have been at Newcastle, where he landed a novices' handicap chase on soft ground last time. That was only his second chase start, so there is still room for a fair bit of improvement and a 4lb rise looks fair.
Sole jumping success came over hurdles at Kempton Park in May 2014 and was considered good enough to run in Listed company over the smaller obstacles later that year. Has clearly had his problems since then, but very interesting that his top trainer has been patient in bringing him back to the racecourse at this age and after an absence of 13 months, backed by an eyecatching jockey booking.
Former winner over track and trip who romped home an eased down 12-length scorer at Kelso on good to soft last time. That was over two miles but the return to this trip clearly holds no fears. However, a 7lb rise and no back-to-back wins on this veteran's CV tempers confidence in him following-up.
The assessor has given him his best chance of success since this reasonably consistent performer won a staying novices' handicap chase at Catterick last March from 4lb higher. Must enter calculations.
Likeable mare who has won two of her last three starts, including a novices' handicap chase over a similar trip at Fakenham last time. Yard's runners do well here and with her optimum ground conditions and scope for improvement in this sphere she looks a leading player.
Non-Runners
3
Caraline16
Weight: 11-10| Age: 6
T: Micky Hammond J: Joe Colliver
NR
Forecasts
Special Wells (7/2), Huff And Puff (11/2), Eastview Boy (11/2), Bonnet's Vino (6/1), Court Dismissed (7/1), Follow The Swallow (9/1), Caraline (10/1), Royal Macnab (11/1), Rosquero (16/1), Newberry New (20/1), Ballybogey (22/1)
Sue Smith has often picked up this track's top trainer award and she could have another winner here in Special Wells, though in receipt of weight we will side with Bonnet's Vino. Pam Sly also has a good strike rate at the venue and her mare is clearly on song at the moment, while she races from a mark below that which she achieved over hurdles, so there is scope for further improvement. Last year's winner Caraline commands respect, while Court Dismissed is another for consideration.
1. Bonnet's Vino
2. Special Wells
3. Court Dismissed
Prize Money
1st: £3,899.002nd: £1,145.003rd: £572.004th: £286.00
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