20:15 Chelmsford City
Thursday 5 January 2017
All17:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:15
totepool Betting On All UK Racing Handicap
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 7f | Standard | 9 Runners | Polytrack | Weighed In
- Off time: 20:16 | Winning time: 1m 25.67s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Won twice here recently over 7f on his first two starts at the course but tainted that record with a poor run at the course last time out, although that race was in a better grade. He drops back in class here and if he regains his previous form could take a hand.
Not matched the form of his win at Chelmsford over 6f in September in three subsequent starts. Won his maiden over 7f at Wolverhampton and certainly worth another try at the trip after looking a little short of pace on his last start.
Useful handicapper who has won four times on the AW (all over shorter than today's trip) but did run well on his first try at 7f in July at Leicester. Tried again over 7f last time out at Newcastle after a four month break and needed the run; should strip a lot fitter here and is respected.
Had looked a useful sort when winning a Goodwood maiden on his second start in 2015. Since then he's rather disappointed in some tough handicaps and this drop in grade and change of surface may well help him regain his form.
Shaped well a few times on turf over the summer but has yet to win on that surface in nine tries and looks a better prospect on the AW. Last two starts (both at Lingfield over a mile) have hinted at better particularly his last start which was far better than his final placing suggested. With some luck, a repeat of that run would see him go very close here off a mark he can certainly win off.
Scored three times last year all over 6f but does have form over this furlong further trip and ran well at the trip on her penultimate start at Lingfield. Switched back to 6f for her last run at Chelmsford she didn't have much luck in-running and showed that she was on a mark she could win off and that form has been well advertised by the subsequent form of the third.
Last four runs have seen him really come to prominence with wins at Lingfield and Chelmsford both over 7f. Won on first run for new yard last time out showing improved form and had Out Of The Ashes back in third. This is tougher though and more improvement would be needed to take a hand here.
Won a maiden at Chelmsford in November beating five rivals over 7f and improved on that effort on his handicap debut although has work to do with Ballylare. Appears suited by this track and trip but faces a tougher task here than his past two starts.
Starts life with his new trainer after spending last season in Ireland where he ran his last three start on the AW at Dundalk. Won on his penultimate start over 7f at Dundalk in a handicap but runs off an 11lb higher mark here and that may well test him on this competitive contest.
Forecasts
Take The Helm (5/2), Strong Challenge (3/1), Hakam (4/1), Ballylare (5/1), Shypen (7/1), Firmdecisions (12/1), Out Of The Ashes (16/1), Miracle Ninetynine (25/1), Kingsley Klarion (33/1)
One of, if not the most, competitive race on this six-race card and there are a few here that have a chance of scoring after good, and in some cases unlucky, recent runs. Take The Helm is certainly handicapped to win a race and has hinted that he is coming back to form of late and looks to have a good chance on his last couple of outings. Out Of The Ashes and Ballylare are closely matched on their last run although the former might just be able to confirm that form as both take a rise in grade here. Hakam certainly deserves another chance over this 7f trip and Kingsley Klarion shouldn’t be written off after shaping well for a long way last time. Ultimately though, SHYPEN showed plenty here last time out and looks the pick of the bunch off a mark that she looks capable of winning off.
1. Shypen
2. Take The Helm
3. Hakam
Prize Money
1st: £6,469.002nd: £1,925.003rd: £962.004th: £481.00
MOST READ RACING
Follow & Track
Your favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My StableLog in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits
