CGA Foxhunter Trial (Open Hunters' Chase) 3m
- (5yo+, 3m, Class 6, 4 runners)
- Winner £988 2nd £304 3rd £152
- Going: Good to Soft, Soft in places
- Surface: Turf
Print| Pos | Horse | Distance/th> | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 4 Tricky Trickster | 4/5f |
Racecard
| # | Form | Horse | A | Wgt | Trainer | Jockey | OR | Naps | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3/2FP2-1 |
|
8 | 170 12-2 | Mrs F Hawes | Mr M Ennis (5) | 127 | 9/4 | |
| 2 | 12-2P21 |
|
9 | 170 12-2 | A Hill | Mr W Biddick | 107 | 9/2 | |
| 3 | 3-4P754 |
|
11 | 166 11-12 | S Rea | Miss H Lewis (7) | 112 | 12/1 | |
| 4 | 199P5F/ |
|
10 | 166 11-12 | P F Nicholls | Mr Steven Clements (3) | 137 | 4/5f |
In depth
Verdict
TRICKY TRICKSTER's last run was in the 2011 Midlands National but he's been out hunting and Paul Nicholls wouldn't have brought back the former Aon Chase winner if he didn't think he could pick up a race or two at this level. The 10-year-old should see off his three rivals with Flaming Gorge probably the one for forecast-backers. A former Nicholls inmate, he was only beaten two lengths by Hunt Ball in a handicap at Wincanton around this time last year. Start Royal won a point-to-point last month and will ensure there is no hanging about but Rathcor may be found wanting.
Formwatch
Tricky Trickster (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Mid-division, fell 2nd, in a race won by Minella Four Star (9-9) at Uttoxeter 4m 1f lstd hcp chs (1) gs in Mar '11, 17 ran.
Flaming Gorge (IRE) 2-11fav (10-12) Made virtually all, reached for and breasted 8th fence,had a good look at passing stables before 13th and niggled along, not fluent 16th, came clear next, virtually pulled up flat, won at Wincanton 3m 1f nov chs (4) gs in May beating Solitary Palm (10-12) by 32l, 3 ran.
Rathcor 6-1 (11-0) Hdwy 7; wknd app 2 out, 4th of 15, 22l behind Promising Anshan (11-0) at Point-to-Point Owners & Riders 3m ptp gs in Dec.
Start Royal (FR) 2-5 (11-7) Made all; drvn out, won at Dunston Harriers 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Citizens Arrest (11-0) by 3l, 6 ran.