14:35 Leicester
Thursday 16 February 2017
All14:0514:3515:1015:4516:2016:50
Thurnby Novices' Handicap Chase
- 5YO plus | Class 4 | 1m 7f 201y | Heavy (Soft in places) | 7 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 4m 11.90s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
First run for 17 months when pulling up at Taunton recently, showing little and getting tired quickly; needs to have come on a lot from that to get involved here although mark is fine based on hurdles win in 2015.
Only one chase start so far, that being at Kempton in November when making mistakes to finish a fairly distant second to Oldgrangewood. Has shown promise over hurdles (all on good ground) and did win a bumper at Worcester last June, both of which give hope here, but does need to have improved his jumping technique since last tackling fences to get involved.
Good ground should be a help as all her best form comes on a sound surface. Turned in best chasing effort to date when second to an in-form Midnight Jade over C&D last time, travelling well although maybe not finding as much for pressure as seemed likely. Handicapper has put her up a harsh looking 6lb for that, but nevertheless, that was a solid effort and her chasing experience holds her in good stead..
Has shown promise on both chase starts to date, firstly when third at Perth (for Fergal O'Brien) and then at Towcester in December on first run for current yard, staying on at one pace to take fifth behind Goohar. Not seen since, so may need the run, and this trip looks a bit on the sharp side anyway.
Four chase starts to date, and although the first two left plenty to be desired (fell and pulled up) the latest two, since being equipped with cheekpieces, have been much better, finish a good second to Caprice D'Anglais (who was in good form at the time) at Hereford and then second to Un Prophete (easy winner of previous start) at Southwell. Switch back to right-handed track will help and although further would suit, still holds a good chance here.
Showed little for Pat Rothwell in Ireland for a couple of seasons but much better on first start over fences for current trainer at Catterick when finishing a close third (may have been second but for interference after the last) to Halcyon Days, looking a natural at the chasing game. Was well backed that day so a good run clearly expected, and although up 3lb for that, may have more to offer.
Has shown little in five runs over hurdles so far, hinting at ability when midfield to London Prize here at Leicester in December and again behind Stepover at Doncaster last time, and although he goes chasing from a basement mark today, can't really be considered unless strong in the market.
Non-Runners
3
Today Please70
Weight: 12-0| Age: 7
T: Henry Oliver J: James Davies
NR
Forecasts
Crown Hill (9/4), Storming Strumpet (9/4), Texas Forever (3/1), Frankie Ballou (6/1), Today Please (13/2), Hahnenkam (16/1), Free Return (20/1), Monte Wildhorn (50/1)
Texas Forever is in good form and may give this a go from the front, and if allowed to get into a rhythm might be hard to peg back. But a chance is taken that FRANKIE BALLOU will improve again from that first start for Joanne Foster at Catterick, where he jumped well and wasn't beaten far at all. He should get a nice tow into the race from Texas Forever and can take over in the closing stages. Storming Strumpet has the ability but looks weak in the finish - she might have to settle for third here.
1. Frankie Ballou
2. Texas Forever
3. Storming Strumpet
Prize Money
1st: £5,198.002nd: £1,526.003rd: £763.004th: £382.00
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