13:25 Doncaster
Saturday 28 January 2017
All12:4512:5013:2013:2513:5514:3015:0515:4016:15
Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)
- 5YO plus | Class 1 | 3m 84y | Good | 9 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 5m 56.24s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Point-to-point winner who is putting together a very nice profile since switching to rules, winning novice contests at Haydock and most recently Chepstow, relishing the cut in the ground on both occasions. Cannot say that he won't act on good ground, though he does have that question to answer today, but otherwise he looks likely to be a leading player.
Wide margin winner despite spreading a plate last time and that was over today's C&D and on good ground. This is a fair bit tougher, though cannot be ruled out on the evidence of that.
Undoubtedly entering a more competitive race than the maiden hurdle he won at Bangor last time, but has very few miles on the clock, is open to improvement and represents a top yard that is in form and no reason why he can't get involved.
PTP, bumper and maiden hurdle winner at the first attempt on each occasion, and clearly getting the hang of the game quickly. Bred to stay forever and a day likely to have the class to be heavily involved today, though has to prove himself on a sound surface.
Tried to make all over 2m 4f in the Grade One Challow Hurdle last time, but ended up succumbing by 11-lengths. Conditions no problem, though has to prove himself over this far.
Successful when stepped up to three miles at Southwell last time after two maiden hurdle defeats. The form of that win would not be as strong as some others in here and he too has to prove himself on the ground, so this is a tough enough ask for him.
Unraced on a sound surface but has put together back-to-back wins with cut in the ground at Wincanton and most recently Hereford at around 2m 4f. Pedigree suggests the extra half mile may bring about further improvement and he looks a leading player here.
Wide-margin Hereford maiden winner in November, who was far from disgraced when pitched straight in at this level at Cheltenham in December. Yet to race on a sound surface, though sire's progeny usually handle it well enough and he is another likely to be very competitive.
The only mare in the contest comes here in great heart after impressive handicap wins at both Fontwell and Wetherby (good to soft on each occasion). Acts on a sound surface, stays this far and has the sex allowance to assist, so may be capable of bridging the gap at this level.
Non-Runners
4
Fountains Windfall16
Weight: 11-2| Age: 7
T: A J Honeyball J: Non Runner
NR
Forecasts
Give Me A Copper (5/4), Constantine Bay (4/1), Happy Diva (5/1), Strong Pursuit (7/1), No Hassle Hoff (10/1), Fountains Windfall (12/1), Minella Aris (20/1), Dingo Dollar (25/1), Major Mac (33/1), Duel At Dawn (50/1)
On paper this looks to be as strong as any staying novices' contest staged this season and whoever wins today, there are likely to be plenty more future success stories from it. This time, however, the vote goes to Strong Pursuit, who has impressed at both Wincanton and Hereford. There is no reason why he won't act on the ground and the step up in trip can help him to maintain an upward curve. Give Me A Copper looks to be another runner going places, while Contantine Bay, No Hassle Hoff and Happy Diva should all be thereabouts when things get serious.
1. Strong Pursuit
2. Give Me A Copper
3. Constantine Bay
Prize Money
1st: £17,085.002nd: £6,411.003rd: £3,210.004th: £1,599.005th: £804.006th: £402.00
MOST READ RACING
Follow & Track
Your favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My StableLog in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits
