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12:55 Haydock
Saturday 21 January 2017
All12:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:20
Cheltenham Preview Here March 6th Handicap Hurdle
- Class 4 | 1m 7f 144y | Soft | 13 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:01 | Winning time: 4m 1.66s
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Best recent form has been shown with blinkers which are refitted here. Drops in class following some leniency from the handicapper. No forlorn hope with stable showing signs of rediscovering some form.
Back over 2m having failed to see out the trip last time. He has more scope than most in this lineup and the forecast ground may unleash some improvement. Jockey has a 21% strike rate on hurdlers for the yard.
Can take a keen hold which could be a problem in the forecast testing conditions. Prone to making mistakes and he needs to raise his game to figure.
Easy winner of a weak race at Bangor and soundly beaten off his revised mark next time.
Had a BHA rating of 133 at his peak but it is more than two years since he won a race of any description. There were encouraging signs on his debut for new yard at Uttoxeter before running poorly next time.
Former Nicky Henderson inmate who took advantage of a plunging mark to score last time. Up 6lb but potentially remains well treated off a mark well below his peak of 136. A real contender now connections have found the key to him.
Former useful hurdler when with John Quinn but form has been on a downward spiral over the past two years. His best form has been shown when going off in front and there were signs he may be going the right way last time when staying on late.
Back down below his last winning mark now and signs of a return to form last time keeping on well. Conditions look right for him here so he may be able to get his head in front. Last four wins have come with this claimer in the saddle.
Still a maiden and hasn't picked up the mantle for this yard in three starts to date and needs to settle in his races better. Still early days though and the yard usually find the key to these types so shouldn't be ruled out.
Won a couple of low grade affairs in November before finding a step up in trip and class beyond him. Cheekpieces are tried for the first time.
Best form shown in Ireland shown with blinkers./tongue tie combination. Aids are off here as was the case when struggling on debut for yard.
Will be all the better for his reappearance 17 days ago. Has claims on the best of his form and the going will suit. Has a chance of putting in a bold show at attractive odds.
Well beaten last of seven when sent off favourite last time. Has shaped as though he struggles to see out the trip on ground as testing as this.
Non-Runners
11
Centurius33
Weight: 11-7| Age: 15
T: Miss V Williams J: Charlie Deutsch
NR
Forecasts
Get Rhythm (11/2), Lough Kent (6/1), Chieftain's Choice (13/2), Hastrubal (13/2), Heath Hunter (8/1), Free Stone Hill (8/1), Rafafie (11/1), Hartside (12/1), Jaunty Thor (12/1), Raise A Spark (16/1), Vocaliser (20/1), Deepsand (25/1), Dragon Khan (150/1)
Few of these have offered much encouragement lately. LOUGH KENT came good last time and could still be on the right side of the handicapper and is the one they all have to beat. Rafafie provides each-way value off an attractive mark and with conditions ideal. Hartside showed he was coming to hand on Boxing Day and is sure to be thereabouts.
1. Lough Kent
2. Rafafie
3. Hartside
Prize Money
1st: £5,198.002nd: £1,526.003rd: £763.004th: £382.00
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