16:50 Taunton
Monday 20 March 2017
All14:2014:5015:2015:5016:2016:50
Bathwick Tyres Midsomer Norton Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 7f 198y | Good | 9 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 6m 17.1s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Has run very well at Doncaster the last twice, first when winning by a nose over shorter than today's trip, and then not quite finding enough when going down by a length in January (3m½f, good). Seems progressive and could easily find enough to win this for his top trainer.
Seems not to have taken to hurdles having run well in bumpers, though he gets some class relief here having run poorly the last twice. Should be ground versatile, and not impossible that today's step up in trip could bring about the improvement required to be competitive.
Beat the useful Midnight Jazz to win at Haydock this time last year but has been quickly regressive since, and has been beaten by at least 10L on each subsequent appearance, including in hurdles and chases. Mark is quickly sinking as a result but others make more appeal here.
Hasn't won since November 2015 but hasn't been running that poorly in defeat, including when a close second at Uttoxeter in December (2m4f, soft). That run also suggests that he doesn't need good ground, despite both his wins over hurdles coming on a sounder surface.
Won a novice event in very taking fashion at Newton Abbot last May (2m2½f, good) but hasn't been able to replicate that form since, going closest when beaten 2L at Ludlow in January. Struggled with a staying trip when trying it at Uttoxeter in October but that was her handicap debut, and she could do better here.
Ran well in two novice hurdles late last year, winning one of them, before being well beaten at Musselburgh on handicap debut in January. Effectively blew his chance at the start by racing too keenly, and should do better this time.
Returns from a very long break here, having been well beaten when last seen at Carlisle in May 2015. Tongue tie is tried for his return but he is more than entitled to need to this given the length of the absence.
C&D winner last time out who goes up 10lb for that victory and is tried at a higher level as a result. Seems to be going to right way on recent evidence and more improvement is likely, but whether she can find enough to defy the weight rise is questionable.
Well beaten on every start since switching to rules races after a victory in a maiden point to point in November. Makes his handicap debut here but looks an unlikely winner off his opening mark and is best watched.
Forecasts
Midnight Cowboy (6/4), Bistouri D'honore (5/1), Milord (11/2), Aunty Ann (7/1), Avithos (8/1), Lady Of Longstone (10/1), Plan Again (20/1), Orchard Boy (20/1), The Greenvet (66/1)
It's notable that Avithos won over C&D last time in taking fashion, and she'll be a player if overcoming the weight rise and proving she can act on softer ground, while Orchard Boy is taking time to adjust to hurdles but has young Fergus Gregory claiming a massive 10lb off his back today. They could be the ones to serve it up to MIDNIGHT COWBOY, who has top weight to defy but has definitely been improving of late and has only gone up 7lb for two very good recent performances at Doncaster.
- Midnight Cowboy
- Avithos
- Orchard Boy
Prize Money
1st: £3,899.002nd: £1,145.003rd: £572.004th: £286.00
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