14:50 Catterick
Wednesday 8 March 2017
All14:2014:5015:2015:5016:2016:5017:20
Hunt Staff Benefit Society Handicap Chase
- 5YO plus  |  Class 4  |  2m 3f 51y  |  Soft  |  6 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:52Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 0.68s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Won a 2m maiden hurdle here this time last year (good to soft) under this pilot, before scoring at Ayr in April from 3lb lower than today's mark. Usually ridden handily, which is a positive here and ran well in a 2m chase at the track from 115 in January (good) on ground perhaps quicker than ideal. First try over this far over fences and likely to see it out.
Potentially well handicapped given that he is 3lbs lower than when scoring for Dan Skelton at Worcester (2m½f, good) last summer and ran well for current connections when outpaced from the last over that trip at Newcastle in November (good to soft). Variety of headgear, including an eyeshield has been tried and has thus far failed to have the desired effect. Worth another try at this trip.
Well placed this winter to win 3-5, the first over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m4½f, good to soft) and then twice from three attempts over fences, where connections have exploited a lower mark, although her Fakenham win last time owed much to the departure of the favourite two out. Could not win from today's mark over hurdles, but likely to remain very competitive. Best form on good to soft.
Pacesetter or prominent racer who returns here after a break and his record when fresh is uninspiring. Dropped 3lb since his last start when pulled up at Newcastle in November. Has run well with cut underfoot, though all three career wins have been on better ground than is forecast today.
Took a while to get the hang of things, winning a point-to-point at the fifth attempt and then a couple of abortive attempts over fences before hitting his straps on his last two starts, both here. Made most to win very easily over C&D last week (soft) and if able to reproduce that effort should prove difficult to beat under his penalty.
Been through the hands of both Tom George and Gary Moore, winning two Huntingdon handicap hurdles (in cheek pieces) for the latter in 2014. Clearly had problems since then, spending two lengthy spells off the track. Never yet threatened in five chases at various points of his career, including last time. Cheek pieces swapped for blinkers today.
Forecasts
Nomoreblackjack (4/9), Nine Altars (6/1), Bonnet's Vino (13/2), Boss Des Mottes (16/1), Leanna Ban (25/1), Should I Stay (33/1)
Sue Smith looks to have found a good opportunity for NOMOREBLACKJACK to strike again before the handicapper has his say, after a very impressive eased-down win over C&D last week. There seems no reason to change the positive tactics employed by Danny Cook that day and he can make the most of the six-year-old's stamina and proven fitness to follow-up. Nine Altars and Leanna Ban are both usually ridden handily, though the latter usually needs at least one run after a break and the latter will find it tough to try to concede weight to the selection. Bonnet's Vino can pick up some prize money again, even though she was probably flattered by her latest win.
- Nomoreblackjack
- Bonnet's Vino
- Nine Altars
Prize Money
1st: £5,198.002nd: £1,526.003rd: £763.004th: £382.00
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