16:05 Doncaster
Thursday 9 February 2017
All13:5514:3015:0015:3016:0516:40
Larkshill Engineering EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle
- 4YO to 7YO  |  Class 4  |  2m 128y  |  Good to Soft (Soft in places)  |  11 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:05Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 5.63s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Won first two hurdles starts at Chepstow and Aintree and then far from disgraced when stepped up markedly in grade at Sandown, finishing fifth behind Finian's Oscar in the Tolworth. The way he faded up the Sandown hill after looking dangerous suggests this switch back to a flatter track will help, and despite having to carry a double penalty here, still sets the standard for the others to aim at.
Solid efforts at Uttoxeter and Newbury this winter but looked a weak finisher when only fifth to No Comment at Plumpton in early January, seemingly not helped by the soft ground either. Something to prove after that effort, and although the figures give him every chance, he looks to have a bit to prove now.
Has shown next to nothing in six starts to date, and won't be winning here bar many mishaps to those at the front end of the market.
Not a bad effort first time up at Market Rasen when second to Happy Hollow, but failed to back that up next time when disappointing behind Ravenhill Road (took a keen hold). That was probably too bad to be true, and although an unlikely winner today, is well related to some good staying chasers, so worth keeping an eye on at least.
Only a low level of form shown in five starts to date, looking a hard ride at times too, and would be much better off in a handicap.
Point to point winner has shown plenty of promise on both Taunton starts so far, finishing fourth on debut to the useful Asum (not beaten far) and then going from the front and sticking well to the task once headed next time. That form is rather held down by the fully exposed fourth, Seven Nation Army, but it's early days for him yet and this step up in trip will suit.
Some promise in a Southwell bumper last year, and did much better on latest start when fourth to Lough Derg Farmer in a maiden hurdle over this C&D last time, the right horse filling the frame and giving the form a decent look. That still needs improving on if he's to get involved here, and may be of more interest once getting a handicap mark after today.
Only a modicum of promise in three starts so far, doing a little better in a tongue tie last time (travelled okay) before being pulled up, but no realistic chance here.
Won a rather farcical two-horse race at Southwell on his debut (odds-on favourite blew out) and has shown little in two starts since. Hurdles debut and needs to improve an awful lot for them.
Not the biggest and she's shown very little in two starts to date, doing a little better last time. Hurdles debut today.
In good hands but has shown nothing in three starts to date.
Forecasts
Chelsea Flyer (1/1), Charlemar (15/8), Ramses De Teillee (5/1), Mister Whitaker (10/1), Schnabel (20/1), Mustang On (100/1), Suggestion (100/1), Psychocandy (150/1), Silent Encore (200/1), Sauvignon (200/1), Early Boy (200/1)
CHARLEMAR has a double penalty to carry but has some very solid form in the book, including when fifth to Cheltenham Festival hopeful Finian's Oscar last time out and that still sets a very good standard for the others to aim at. A return to a flatter track may help his finishing effort too. Ramses De Teillee is improving and can take second, and with concerns over Chelsea Flyer at present, Schnabel may be able to get in the prizemoney.
1. Charlemar
2. Ramses De Teillee
3. Schnabel
Prize Money
1st: £3,899.002nd: £1,145.003rd: £572.004th: £286.00
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