14:20 Sedgefield
Sunday 29 January 2017
All13:2013:5014:2014:5015:2015:5016:20
Betfred Novices' Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 3f 188y | Good to Soft (Soft in places) | 7 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 5m 8.4s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Ex Irish (Sean Aherne) who has improved sharply since the switch to Micky Hammond in Middleham. This gelding is unbeaten in both starts over C&D (and for Hammond and jockey Joe Wright) and holds strong hat-trick claims under a penalty with conditions likely to be very similar again today.
Scored on UK debut at Ludlow in late November (2m soft ground maiden hurdle), but picked off late in the race (front runs) by a number of rivals and only fifth of 15 next time at Ffos Las. Interesting to see if he takes on Justforjames for the lead, and will likely be vulnerable if doing so.
A thoroughly progressive mare who has won both of her starts this season. She created a most taking impression when dispatching Quietly by 17 lengths at Hexham in early November, and was backed as if defeat was out of the question when following up over further in a weak contest at Kelso last month. This is tougher, but under a double penalty should go well.
Irish point-to-point winner who was acquired by Brian Ellison for £30,000 at the Cheltenham Sales in November, and wasn't disgraced over 2m in a Wetherby bumper on his UK debut earlier this month, but could have been found a far easier opportunity for hurdles debut despite this step up in trip promising to suit.
Ex Irish point-to-point performer (0 from 3) who has shown little in both starts in the UK in maiden hurdles for David Thompson. Little chance at this level.
Showed very little in three runs in bumpers, and was living upto his name when struggling from the sixth on hurdles debut at Catterick on New Year's Day. This is a tougher race, so little conceivable chance.
Has as many letters to her name as numbers in six career starts so far, and is out of her depth here, so is much likely to be seen to better effect in low grade handicaps in the future. Little chance.
Forecasts
Justforjames (4/5), Kelka (11/4), Old Salt (6/1), Bordeaux Bill (7/1), Don Sebastian (100/1), Paddling (150/1), Beyondtheflame (250/1)
A race which surely rests between the hat-trick seeking pair of Justforjames and KELKA. The former looks set to be taken on for the lead by Old Salt, and this could prove negative for his chances. Furthermore, you can't quite help but wonder if he has been just a shade flattered by those pair of December C&D successes, given his moderate form in Ireland previously. Kelka has appeared a much improved mare this year, and is decent longer term prospect. Brian Hughes can tuck her in behind the pace before producing her on the downhill run from the second last to record another success for local owner Dave Armstrong.
1. Kelka
2. Justforjames
3. Bordeaux Bill
Prize Money
1st: £3,165.002nd: £935.003rd: £468.004th: £234.005th: £117.00
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