14:20 Lingfield
Monday 20 February 2017
All13:5014:2014:5015:2516:0016:3517:05
Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 7f | Heavy | 7 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 6m 9.2s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Has shown little in five starts over hurdles but was only a 4/1 chance to win at Hereford last time, where he got no further than the first hurdle after a mulish display at the start, eventually refusing. Blinkers go on to try and remedy the situation, and overall impression is that he will do better, but can't be backed with any confidence at present.
Useful for Alan King last season but has shown little in two starts for new yard, with the addition of a tongue tie last time out not sparking any improvement. Heavy ground another question and too much to prove here.
Looked a very progressive chaser back in 2015, running the useful Cogry very close at Chepstow on one occasion, but all downhill for the last 12-months and shows no sign of taking advantage of his falling mark any time soon. Wore cheekpieces three runs back, but didn't do any better for them. Back on again today.
Bit inconsistent but capable of a good run on his day, and was back to form when a close third to Just Joelliott at Ludlow last time, battling on well once headed. Handicapper has jacked him up 2lb for that, but that still leaves him on a winnable mark, and the booking of Richard Johnson looks a big plus. Handles soft ground.
Hasn't won since 2014, and in truth has become very hard to win with despite some decent efforts. Showed some form at Taunton again last time, leading some way out but again ultimately run out of it. Handles heavy ground, but the places looks the best he can hope for.
Pops up every now and then, and won one of Pontefract's long distance races last April over 2m5f, staying on well to win a length. Seemed to be struggling last Autumn, finishing tailed off on most occasions but has found some form on last two starts, sticking to the task at Plumpton last time and not beaten that far. On good mark now and handles soft/heavy well, so has to be taken seriously.
Had shown some ability in chases/hurdles before finally coming good over this C&D in Jaunary, although that was only a moderate race. Couldn't follow that up next time, finding Matrow's Lady too good, but reverts to hurdles here and despite 11lb higher mark for that win, can't be discounted.
Forecasts
Champagne Chaser (5/2), Burgess Dream (7/2), American Life (7/2), Lac Sacre (5/1), Allez Vic (6/1), The Mumper (14/1), Cotswold Road (20/1)
The two at the bottom of the handicap make the most appeal, with the nod just given to AMERICAN LIFE who looks to be slowly refinding some form and is on a good mark. Conditions look ideal for him and Burgess Dream , who may well appreciate the return to hurdles. Champagne Chaser can plug on best of the rest for third. Cotswold Road may be capable of better but can't be touched after a refusal last time.
1. American Life
2. Burgess Dream
3. Champagne Chaser
Prize Money
1st: £5,198.002nd: £1,526.003rd: £763.004th: £382.00
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