13:30 Kempton
Saturday 14 January 2017
All12:2012:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:45
32Red.com Novices' Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 3 | 3m 110y | Good to Soft (Soft in places) | 8 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:31 | Winning time: 6m 20.35s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Ex pointer, who has thrived for the combination of a step up in trip and hurdles. A three time winner already this campaign (at Perth, Southwell and Ffos Las), and the likeliest winner despite those penalties beginning to stack up.
A fair second to Theligny in a 2m3f handicap hurdle at Lingfield on his seasonal reappearance, and seemingly suited by stepping upto three miles for the first time when scoring at Taunton in a novice event last month. Both of these starts have come on decent ground (faster than today's) and vulnerable to any more rain.
Not overly tested in three appearances so far, but has steadily improved with each run and got to within three lengths of Paul Nicholls and Alan King trained rivals last time at Ascot. This is a further step up in trip, but that could well suit.
In rear early, and behind from the seventh and always struggling when pulled up on sole start so far for Alan King in a 2m3f maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter in November. Needs to show considerably more here over this new trip (second over 3m on sole PTP start).
Hurdles debut for new trainer. Previously with Rebecca Curtis when finishing seventh of ten in a Soft ground NHF race at Fontwell in November.
Runner up on Heavy ground PTP debut at Lismore in March 2016 before being sold for £72,000 later that month at the Cheltenham Sale. Makes a later than anticipated return to the track, but this trip looks ideal for his first start over hurdles for his new yard. Worth a glance in the market for any signs of confidence.
One from five in PTP's, and moved on for £18,000 at the 2016 Cheltenham May Sale. Unseated rider on chase debut for new trainer at Hereford in October, before springing a 66/1 surprise back over hurdles (novices) at Chepstow early last month. Clearly relishes a test of stamina.
Three length winner on the last of his three starts in Irish PTP's (left clear at the last) and makes UK debut for progressive trainer having joined this yard for £30,000 in November.
Forecasts
Alpha Male (6/4), Ballymalin (2/1), Robinroyale (5/1), Mr Love (8/1), Laugharne (12/1), Beneagles (33/1), Zamparelli (33/1), Knight To Open (100/1)
Whilst it is always tough for horses to carry multiple penalties in Novice Hurdles, BALLYMALIN is more than capable of being upto the job against these rivals. In notching up three victories at staying trips already this season, he's earned a top rating of 139. This combination of track and ground aren't likely to pose any significant concerns, and it could be either Alpha Male (most likely not one of the yard's leading lights) or the costly UK debutant Mr Love which gives Ballymalin the most to consider.
1. Ballymalin
2. Mr Love
3. Alpha Male
Prize Money
1st: £5,848.002nd: £1,717.003rd: £859.004th: £429.00
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