13:35 Towcester
Thursday 2 February 2017
All13:3514:1014:4515:2015:5516:25
Haygain Hay Steamers Clean Healthy Forage 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle
- 4YO plus  |  Class 4  |  1m 7f 151y  |  Heavy  |  8 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 13:35Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 1.83s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Two from two, a bumper and a novice hurdle. Outclassed his opponents at Leicester on latest start despite some careful jumping. Will have learnt plenty from that and if handling this softer ground, the one to beat again.
Point-to-point winner last March but hasn't settled in two starts for new yard, and soon left behind at Fakenham on latest start once pace quickened. Switch back to right-handed track may help, but really has to settle or won't get up the final hill.
Looks a galloper and only just run out of it late at Plumpton on latest start. Previous run at Towcester looks a solid piece of form (second run well again since), handles very soft ground, and has solid place claims again here.
Made favourite for only start to date when sent off 3/1 for a Southwell bumper last February and absence since a concern, but that form is working out well and yard very adept with novice hurdlers. Market will guide, but is of interest.
Two non-completions (one fall, one unseat) on last two starts an obvious concern, but signs of promise on completed start behind London Prize at Leicester and again last time at Bangor, falling when making headway. Will be more interesting once handicapped.
Showed little on only start to date at Warwick and needs plenty of improvement to get involved.
Last in two bumpers and no better on novice hurdle debut, showing next to nothing. Looks up against it.
Not totally disgraced on latest start at Lingfield, finishing midfield after getting outpaced as race took shape but that on Equitrack surface, and will find this a different kettle of fish.
Forecasts
Top Ville Ben (3/10), Count Meribel (3/1), First Du Charmil (7/1), Ardmayle (10/1), Generous Day (14/1), Qodiaq (25/1), Marble Mist (50/1), Mighty Mustang (200/1)
TOP VILLE BEN has to give a penalty away here but looked a horse with plenty more improvement to come at Leicester and his jumping, which was a little careful at times, should improve here. He comes here rather than taking up any of the engagements he has over the next few days and the hint should be taken. Count Meribel did little wrong last time and will give Top Ville Ben a bit to think about, and any market support for First Du Charmil should be noted.
1. Top Ville Ben
2. Count Meribel
3. First Du Charmil
Prize Money
1st: £3,899.002nd: £1,145.003rd: £572.004th: £286.00
MOST READ RACING
Follow & Track
Your favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My StableLog in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits
