14:38 Wincanton

Monday 26 December 2022

All12:1812:5313:2814:0314:3815:1315:45

Eastbury Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:42 | Winning time: 3m 39.63s

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Selected odds by:

Jaramillo^p²³

Age: 4| Weight: 12-2| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 112

15/2

Useful but quirky sort on Flat for Roger Varian. Improved efforts over hurdles when placed in maiden/novice company on his last 2 outings but he didn't cut much ice on his only handicap start in this sphere.

Form: F25-P23

Coolnaugh Haze²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 12-2| J: Miss Ella Herbison⁽⁷⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 112

12/1

Won a 2m Huntingdon handicap in April and runner-up at Ludlow the following month. However, he hasn't shown enough in 3 handicaps since returning to action to think he's likely to add to his tally now.

Form: 21-2456

John Betjeman^b³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Tom Cannon| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 109

22/1

Gained breakthrough success from 2 lb lower mark at Ffos Las (2m) in March. Runner-up over hurdles and on the level since but must cast aside lesser efforts on his last 2 starts.

Form: 1-2D597

Toronto^h²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Thomas Doggrell⁽⁷⁾| T: B Barr| OR: 109| CD

40/1

Fairly useful at best on the Flat. Won a pair of 2m novice hurdles in the spring but has found life tougher in handicaps since. Mark is on the slide as a result but would need to see more before lending support.

Form: 1-41005

First Quest^p,t⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Miss Thomosina Eyston⁽⁷⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 108| CD

14/1

Dual winner at around 2m last autumn and, following a couple of non-completions, he's got back on track when placed in handicaps at Sedgefield and Kempton on his last 2 outings. Respected.

Form: 44FU32

Pachacuti^t³⁰⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: David Noonan| T: D Pipe| OR: 108WS

11/2

5-y-o who has progressed with each run over hurdles, keeping on for second in an Exeter novice (17f) back in February. Very much the type to do better now handicapping after wind surgery. Market confidence would look significant.

Form: 4862-

Sambezi^p,t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Ben Jones| T: O Signy| OR: 106

12/1

Placed twice over hurdles last spring and back to form when 6 lengths second of 8 at Sedgefield (17f) 24 days ago. Another who can't be discounted.

Form: 73-2852

Greatest Star^t²⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Liam Harrison⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 105

10/1

Maiden winner for Dan Skelton last season and also third in a Warwick handicap off this mark. Joined another good stable ahead of reappearance. Betting should guide.

Form: 45/4130-

No No Tonic^b,t³²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 104| CD

11/1

Better than ever when recording second Wincanton win over 2½m last month. Made a bad mistake just after halfway and probably worth forgiving a lesser run at Taunton the following week. Respected.

Form: 15-3419

Vengeance²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: Bryan Carver| T: H Whittington| OR: 104

20/1

Has made steady progress over hurdles, making a solid start to his handicap career when third of 8 at Fontwell (2¾m) 3 weeks ago. Much shorter trip now asks a different question but this unexposed sort is still one of more likely types.

Form: 3863-23

Sadler's Bay²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: James Best| T: T R Gretton| OR: 104

28/1

Promising third in maiden/novice events at Exeter at the start of the year. Below that level when switched to handicap company at Sandown on his return to action at the start of this month but possible he'll strip fitter for the run.

Form: 33-6

Leissieres Express³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 104

12/1

Showed fair form when placed on the first of 2 starts in bumpers. Improved effort over hurdles when fourth of 15 in 2m Chepstow novice last month, faring best of those held up. Possible improver in handicaps.

Form: 350-94

Battle March^h⁴⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Harriet Tucker⁽⁷⁾| T: C J Down| OR: 100

28/1

Showed improved form to get off the mark in 18.5f Exeter novice in October 2021 but hasn't been seen since. Market perhaps the best guide to expectations with him now handicapping.

Form: 34/2661-

Illico Des Places^h,t⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Gearoid Harney⁽⁷⁾| T: R Walford| OR: 99

6/1

Scored on his sole start in France but proved too headstrong all four runs in Britain for Tom Symonds and it's been a similar story for new yard. This sharp test should suit him but would need to see market support to seriously consider.

Form: 54P-855

Girandole^b²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-8| J: Ben Godfrey⁽³⁾| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 90

50/1

Modest at best on the Flat and, while he showed something in juvenile hurdles last season, his recent efforts have been uninspiring.

Form: 266-U77

West Orchard^t³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Freddie Gingell⁽⁷⁾| T: J Tizzard| OR: 83

6/1

Yet to get seriously competitive but latest 2½m course fourth was a step in the right direction. It's still relatively early days with him.

Form: 58PP-44

Forecasts

Pachacuti (11/2), West Orchard (6/1), Illico Des Places (6/1), Jaramillo (15/2), Greatest Star (10/1), No No Tonic (11/1), Sambezi (12/1), Coolnaugh Haze (12/1), Leissieres Express (12/1), First Quest (14/1), Vengeance (20/1), John Betjeman (22/1), Battle March (28/1), Sadler's Bay (28/1), Toronto (40/1), Girandole (50/1)

A chance is taken on returning David Pipe handicap newcomer PACHACUTI, with confidence increased should the betting vibes be strong. Neil Mulholland won this race 2 years ago and his First Quest heads the many possible dangers. Vengeance and Leissieres Express also make the shortlist.