17:40 Huntingdon

Wednesday 15 March 2017

All13:4514:2515:0515:4516:2517:0517:40

Champions League Betting At 188Bet Standard Open NH Flat Race

Off time: 17:40 | Winning time: 3m 55.60s

Boreham Bill⁸⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Mr Tom David⁽⁵⁾| T: B Pauling

3/1

Ran on strongly to score on debut at Market Rasen and wasn't disgraced under a penalty at Cheltenham shortly afterwards. However, he weakened rapidly in hot race at Ascot when he was last seen out so has to be forgiven that poor effort. Still, this is a weaker level of competition, but has a stiff test under the extra weight.

Form: 120

Geneva Trumpet⁹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Mr Kaine Wood⁽⁷⁾| T: N Bycroft

250/1

Has been readily brushed aside in weak races at Catterick and Southwell, and already has a bit to prove. others preferred.

Form: 0

Point Of Departure³⁰⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Dave Crosse| T: G Hanmer

40/1

Won a point-to-point in Ireland but was no better than mid division in a similar race to this at Uttoxeter when last seen out. Likely to be wiser but may not be fully wound up after a long absence. The betting will be the best clue. Decent jockey booked for the ride, though.

Form: 1-68

Solomon Grey⁸⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Bridget Andrews⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton

13/2

Likeable pedigree and made a pleasing start when introduced at Ludlow in December. Can be expected to be sharper for that experience and is a worthy contender for the shortlist.

Form:

Blazon⁹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: Henry Morshead⁽⁷⁾| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

8/1

Won well on his debut in an AW bumper at Lingfield in December; plenty of scope for improvement but this looks a strong race in which to be carrying a penalty, so needs to be at the top of his game once more.

Form: 12-

Doux Pretender¹⁶⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: S Bowen| T: N J Henderson

15/8

Already a winner in France and, given the past history of Ex-French horses that have thrived after joined his powerful yard, this fellow is following a tried and trusted path. His owners have placed a lot of faith in the procurement policy at Seven Barrows, and will no doubt be disappointed if this fellow cannot pay back the first instalment of €190,000 purchase tag sooner rather than later.

Form:

Maria's Benefit⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-9| J: C Gethings⁽³⁾| T: S Edmunds

9/2

The form of her debut under rules is working out well and this daughter of Beneficial can have a bright future. She showed a good cruising speed to go second at Doncaster and will be a threat to them all if she has thrived since then.

Form: 121

Oregon Gold

Age: 4| Weight: 10-8| J: Tom Broughton⁽¹⁰⁾| T: N Kent

50/1

Likely to make an impact over hurdles and fences given time; an interesting debutante who will probably benefit greatly from the experience.

Form: 7

Wick Green

Age: 4| Weight: 10-8| J: Jordan Nailor⁽⁷⁾| T: C E Longsdon

16/1

Faces a tough introduction to racing but represents a very capable yard and is one to watch in the betting.

Form: 6

Forecasts

Doux Pretender (15/8), Boreham Bill (3/1), Maria's Benefit (9/2), Solomon Grey (13/2), Blazon (8/1), Wick Green (16/1), Point Of Departure (40/1), Oregon Gold (50/1), Geneva Trumpet (250/1)

Very likely that DOUX PRETENDER will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day's action at Huntingdon, but the Nicky Henderson team, fresh for yesterday's dominance at Cheltenham, has an embarrassment of riches at its disposal, and it will be a tough pill to swallow for the connections if this French-bred gelding (cost €190,000) cannot pay his pay his way at the first time of asking. There are dangers aplenty though: the likes of Solomon Grey and Blazon are respected with their claims, while support for Wick Green would also be interesting.