16:50 Towcester

Thursday 4 May 2017

All14:2014:5015:2015:5016:2016:5017:25

Call Star Spreads On 0808 2349709 Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase

  • 5YO plus  |   Class 5  |   2m 5f 153y  |   Good to Firm (Watered)  |   7 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 16:50  |   Winning time: 5m 27.78s
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Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
1
Horse silk
Bertie Lugg17
Age: 9|  Weight: 12-2| J: Mr Robert Hawker| T: Henry Oliver| OR:  102
7/1
Winner over hurdles a year ago and continues chasing career on a declining mark. Jumping lacked fluency last time but would be an obvious threat if schooling has gone well since.
2
Horse silk
Brown Bearp13
Age: 6|  Weight: 11-12| J: Mitchell Bastyan(5)| T: N J Gifford| OR:  98
3/1
Looked beaten until taking advantage of the uphill climb and two toiling rivals to land a three runner race last time. Leighton Aspell who rode him then gets on particularly well with him. Young rider here faces a stiff task trying to coax the best from this lazy sort, albeit on a track that appears to suit him.
3
Horse silk
Followmybuttonst111
Age: 7|  Weight: 11-11| J: William Clarke(5)| T: D W P Arbuthnot| OR:  97
9/2
Beat a subsequent winner by 10L here a year ago. Has failed to complete the course in three runs since including first two runs over fences. Has not jumped well on either of those occasions and has previously burst a blood vessel. Looks risky on return from a four month break.
4
Horse silk
High Aspirations19
Age: 9|  Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Reed| T: M Blake| OR:  92
11/2
All five career wins have been gained with some give in the ground. Has been dropping down the weights and his latest effort hinted at a return to his best. If running to that same level on similar ground he is sure to go close.
5
Horse silk
Mr Jim38
Age: 8|  Weight: 11-5| J: James Nixon| T: A W Carroll| OR:  91
7/2
Task made easier last time when the two market leaders departed early. A line through the third gives him a distinct advantage over Brown Bear and this longer trip promises to suit.
6
Horse silk
Ballyegan28
Age: 12|  Weight: 10-6| J: James Corbett| T: R H Buckler| OR:  78
6/1
Has two win and two seconds in four completed starts here. Landed a point-to-point in March and ought to be better suited by this stiffer test than at Taunton last time. May not be the force of old but still requires respect off this mark.
7
Horse silk
Sussex Road7
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-0| J: Charlie Hammond(3)| T: A Sadik| OR:  62
50/1
Flattered by his third here a month ago. Remains a maiden after 20 starts and yard are without a winner since July 2014.

Forecasts

Brown Bear (3/1), Mr Jim (7/2), Followmybuttons (9/2), High Aspirations (11/2), Ballyegan (6/1), Bertie Lugg (7/1), Sussex Road (50/1)

Verdict

It is hard to make a solid case for any in this with Brown Bear undoubtedly flattered by his success last time and looking a difficult ride for a conditional. Mr Jim scored last time in an unsatisfactory race where the market principals both came to grief. HIGH ASPIRATIONS came to hand last spring and appeared on his way back to his best at Newton Abbot last time. A further drop in the weights makes him all the more attractive and he can make the most of what appears to be his easiest opportunity for a while. Ballyegan has a good record here and the handicapper has given him an excellent chance of making the frame at least.
  1. High Aspirations
  2. Mr Jim
  3. Ballyegan

Prize Money

1st: £3,249.002nd: £954.003rd: £477.004th: £238.00

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