We've teamed up with Timeform who preview this weekend's Grade One Unibet Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.
The top-rated
Galice Macalo (Timeform weight-adjusted rating: 152)
Galice Macalo displayed promise in juvenile hurdles last season – she would have gone close on her second start at Aintree had she not fallen at the last – but she has raised her game this term, winning at Warwick and Stratford before showing improved form in defeat on her handicap debut over this course and distance last month. Galice Macalo travelled well here last time and showed a good turn of foot in the conditions to quicken clear between the final two flights, but she was collared close home by an in-form rival who benefited from being held up further off the strong pace. That appeals as a strong piece of form, up there with the best on offer in this contest, and she looks to hold solid claims on Timeform’s weight-adjusted ratings when you factor in the 7 lb sex allowance she receives from the males.
The improver
Metier (146p)
Metier showed useful form on the Flat for Andrew Slattery in 2019, registering his sole success in that sphere in a maiden at Gowran Park, but he looks set to make a bigger splash in the novice hurdling division based on his easy victories at Newton Abbot and Ascot. Metier created an excellent impression on his hurdling debut and return from more than a year off at Newton Abbot in October, drawing clear on the bridle to win by 10 lengths in the style of an exciting prospect. Metier also scored with plenty in hand on his only subsequent start at Ascot, quickening well after the last to win by five and a half lengths in a time that compared well with the handicap later on the card. Metier has not yet shown the full extent of his ability since joining Harry Fry and looks to have a bigger effort in his locker.
The Timeform Flag
Shakem Up’Arry (Horse In Focus)
Shakem Up'Arry was unlucky to bump into a couple of bright prospects in his first season over hurdles last term, including subsequent Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Shishkin, but he took advantage of a good opportunity on his return at Ffos Las in November and then caught the eye when fourth on his handicap debut at Haydock a couple of weeks later. Shakem Up'Arry contested a competitive event at Haydock but shaped with clear promise, paying the price for making his effort earlier than the other principals in a race run at a strong gallop on testing ground. He goes well when the mud is flying, stays further than two miles and has more experience than his rivals, so a bold bid cannot be ruled out in a race that could develop into something of a slog for these novices.
The Verdict
Metier has created an excellent impression since going hurdling for Harry Fry and looks to have plenty in his favour here. His 10-length success on heavy ground at Newton Abbot showed that testing conditions are no problem, while the time he clocked at Ascot adds substance to what was a visually-impressive display. He can take this step up in class in his stride and strike at Grade 1 level. Galice Macalo sets the standard based on her effort in a handicap over course and distance last time and should give another good account.
Timeform’s weight-adjusted ratings:
152 Galice Macalo
146p Metier
145 Shakem Up'Arry
139 Do Your Job
138p Smurphy Enki
131 Tile Tapper
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