16:40 Southwell
Tuesday 28 March 2017
All14:1014:4015:1015:4016:1016:4017:10
grandnational2017.com Hands And Heels Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys' And Amateur Riders' Race)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 4  |  2m 4f 62y  |  Good (Good to Soft in places)  |  11 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:41Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 9.20s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Has won here five times including including this race 12 months ago under today's rider. Arrives in top form but may find at least one better handicapped rival in this.
Handicap mark is no better than fair. Could do better now meeting rivals on more equal terms than has been the case in novice events.
Two years since last seen over hurdles when rated 12lb higher than here. Winner on the Flat last summer and could have something to offer in this company. Stable have been back amongst the winners recently.
Runner-up in sole point-to-point start and has steadily improved in three hurdle events, most recently when a 7L third behind Groundunderrepair in the mud at Lingfield. Further progress anticipated and of interest on his handicap debut.
Flattered by his second at Uttoxeter and pulled up on his return last month. Best efforts have come on ground faster than forecast here.
Runner-up behind subsequent dual winner Bobbie Emerald on handicap debut at Ludlow last April. Will be better for his latest run which followed a 10 month absence and 3lb lower here. Stable are 7-23 in last 14 days and 11-43 in conditional jockeys races. Interesting with top young rider booked who won on his only previous ride for the yard.
Has lost his way of late and now reverts to hurdles. Trainer has a modest record of 3-61 when making such a switch. The stable are not getting winners with their usual regularity and a watching brief is advised.
Showed little in the point-to-point field and has been tailed off in all three starts under rules. May do better now handicapping but when getting better ground.
Showed some promise in a good ground bumper last spring but has looked poor since sent hurdling. Makes handicap debut on second run for new trainer who is just showing signs of getting back amongst the winners.
Winner of a minor race for Sue Smith but has been in decline since. Has second run for new yard over a trip which appears short of his best.
Showed first signs of ability when finishing second here last week with the third was 22L behind. Can build on that with the stable firing in winners lately.
Non-Runners
8
Friendship Bay39
Weight: 11-5|Â Â Age: 13
T: H J Evans  J: James Nixon
NR
Forecasts
Sauvignon (5/2), Champion Chase (3/1), North Hill (7/2), Riddlestown (12/1), Friendship Bay (12/1), Coole Charmer (14/1), Silent Encore (16/1), Miliair (16/1), Zamoyski (20/1), Don Sebastian (20/1), Sensible Simpson (28/1), Optical High (66/1)
SAUVIGNON makes a quick reappearance following a career best performance last week. The yard's horses have been in tremendous form over the past few days and she can take advantage of the weight she receives from her rivals. North Hill is one to note with his stable in such fine form and with a top young rider booked to ride. His last couple of runs can be ignored and if there are positive signals in the ring he has to enter calculations. Champion Chase is interesting now stepping up in distance on his handicap debut.
- Sauvignon
- North Hill
- Champion Chase
Prize Money
1st: £3,899.002nd: £1,145.003rd: £572.004th: £286.00
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