14:40 Doncaster
Monday 9 January 2017
All13:0013:3014:0514:4015:1015:45
Karl Smith Men's Grooming 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 128y | Good to Soft | 11 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 4m 3.1s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Winning pointer who joined connections for £100,000 and scored on bumper debut at Kempton in February last year. Also successful on hurdles debut at Warwick in May, and runner up on seasonal return at Plumpton last month. Drops in trip (unlikely to trouble), and whilst penalised, is rated 125, so a live contender.
Jumped badly right and unseated rider on hurdles debut at Sandown, but does have some ability judging by his NHF success at Wincanton in November.
Placed on first two runs in bumpers, before a decisive nine length winner at Newcastle in February 2016. Hampered at the first on hurdles debut at Plumpton (beaten odds on favourite), and confidence seemingly affected since. Capable but needs to show more relish for hurdles.
£25,000 Ascot July 2016 purchase. Fifth of nine on sole start for this yard in a bumper at Huntingdon in mid November and makes hurdles debut today.
Not fluent at the first and fell at the third on hurdles debut (maiden) at Musselburgh last month. Half brother to Felix Yonger, and a talented three pound claimer aboard.
Ex Irish, and runner up on UK NHF debut for Don Cantillon at Ffos Las in May 2015. Less promise for Tracey Bailey ten months later at Wetherby, and back off a similar break here for another new yard.
Third placing on second start in a NHF race at Market Rasen in March 2016 was a distant one, and nothing to suggest he's improved for going hurdling on two rather non-descript starts to date.
Midfield finisher on both starts so far over 2m at Kelso and 2m4f at Ayr. Likely to struggle again here and looks a sort for handicaps.
Third of six (beaten 16 lengths) on sole start in Irish PTP at Quakerstown. Bought for £10,000 at Doncaster May 2016 Sale, and worth a glance for any signs of market confidence.
Two starts in bumpers so far, including latest when a distant sixth of nine to a hugely promising winner here in November. Needs to do more on hurdles debut.
Half brother to Village Vic, so perhaps unsurprisingly struggled in bumpers. Better on both starts over hurdles at Ludlow, but looks a longer term prospect and might need to step up in trip once handicapping.
Forecasts
Stowaway Magic (2/5), Yorgonnahearmeroar (6/1), Boudry (7/1), Majestic Touch (9/1), American Gigolo (14/1), Chti Balko (33/1), Convoi Exceptional (40/1), Short Flight (50/1), Western Storm (80/1), Mustang On (100/1), On A Promise (100/1)
This looks best left to STOWAWAY MAGIC on what could be a very good day for trainer Nicky Henderson. Despite having a penalty to shoulder for his success at Warwick, he's already rated 125 and is entitled to have come on physically for his return at Plumpton last month. Both American Gigolo and Boudry have ability but need to improve over hurdles on the limited evidence that we've got to date, whilst Majestic Touch could do better for a switch to a higher profile yard.
1. Stowaway Magic
2. Boudry
3. American Gigolo
Prize Money
1st: £3,249.002nd: £954.003rd: £477.004th: £238.00
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