15:30 Hexham
Tuesday 28 March 2017
All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:30
188Bet Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus  |  Class 4  |  2m 4f 28y  |  Heavy (Soft in places)  |  10 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 15:30Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 35.27s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Already twice a Hexham winner from five starts at this track (bumper and C&D novice hurdle), but possibly high enough in the ratings for what he's actually achieved. This is certainly far easier than the Class 3 handicap he contested last time at Ayr, but place prospects appear most likely.
2¼L bumper winner on his stable debut over this course in October 2016, but has been kept in Scotland (at Ayr) on each of his five starts since. Took advantage of a good opportunity when making all to land a 2m5f maiden hurdle (fav) earlier this month, and in doing so proved his ability to handle testing ground. This race is tougher, but much respected.
Returns to hurdles for the first time since May 2015, but has winning course form over timber, with all three hurdles victories coming here (2m) from marks ranging from 110 to 120. Has been in reasonable enough shape over fences (including at this trip) this winter so not discounted.
Veteran C&D winner who kept on strongly to land this very contest in 2016 by 3½L, and now races from a 12lb lower mark. Tough as teak; raced three days in succession in Scotland (March 2016) immediately prior to that victory, but has shown little of the old sparkle in three races since his return in 2017.
Represents an Irish trainer who has campaigned his runners successfully at Hexham in the past, and this gelding was a runner up (over further) at Towcester earlier this month, which was only his second run back after finishing fourth in this race in 2016 to See Double You. Lightly raced (nine race maiden) who sports the first time cheek-pieces.
Won six times between February and April 2016, including on three occasions at this track, seeing her mark rise steadily in the process. Possibly slightly more effective over 2m, but also finds this trip within range, and showed her well-being when winning a small field 2m mares handicap hurdle at Newcastle in February. At her best racing prominently.
A flag-bearer for these connections lately, winning three races since opening his account over hurdles at Uttoxeter in mid February. Well suited by both the visor and testing ground, with a March hat-trick a possibility now that he goes back up in trip for his latest pair of victories. A 3lb rise looks fair, despite now running from a career high mark.
Relishes cut in the ground over 2m to 2m4f, and remains close to his last winning mark (Uttoxeter, December 2015). Ran well enough when going down by 5L to ready winner Beggar's Wishes at Bangor on his penultimate start, so it was most disappointing to see him seemingly run well below par last time at Warwick.
2m5f Limerick handicap hurdle winner for P G Coffey in December 2016 who made his debut for this trainer over an inadequate 2m in a decent race at Stratford earlier this month. Certain to be suited by this longer trip and heavy ground with further improvement on the cards.
Finished fifth in this race in 2016, and was beaten 17L by Beyondtemptation over C&D on her next start in April 2016. Has taken a couple of runs to return to form this winter, but shaped with much more promise last time when a slightly flattered 2L second to Knocknamona at Newcastle (2m4f) earlier this month. Not without a chance from a reduced mark.
Forecasts
Barrys Jack (11/4), Ryedale Racer (9/2), Vertigo (9/2), Modulus (6/1), Dubai Devils (9/1), Hollywood All Star (14/1), Tikkandemickey (14/1), Beyondtemptation (20/1), Rinnagree Rosie (25/1), See Double You (40/1)
An open and competitive looking handicap for the grade with the in-form Modulus back up in trip seeking a quickfire hat-trick. Vertigo won his bumper at this track in October, and was successful in a maiden hurdle at Ayr last time, and appears to be a youngster on the upgrade, but this is a tough assignment against some gnarly handicappers. Tikkandemickey has course winning hurdles form over a shorter trip whilst the game mare Beyondtemptation also has shown a strong affinity for this track. However, a chance is taken that BARRYS JACK will be suited by this step back up in trip on just his second start for Malton trainer Brian Ellison, and could go close at fairly rewarding odds.
- Barrys Jack
- Vertigo
- Modulus
Prize Money
1st: £6,498.002nd: £1,908.003rd: £954.004th: £477.00
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