14:00 Kempton
Monday 15 May 2017
All14:0014:3015:0515:3516:1016:40
Smarter Bets With Matchbook Novices' Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 2m | Good | 8 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:01 | Winning time: 3m 46.5s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Only low grade on the Flat but did win a couple over 10/12f when conditions were right, and sprung a 20/1 shock at Huntingdon on hurdles debut recently. Clearly has some aptitude for the game and conditions again ideal, but may need a touch more under a penalty here.
Showed little on the Flat, and temperament crept into his work too. Well behind Shining Romeo at Huntingdon latest and plenty to find to reverse the form.
Only seen twice on a racecourse in a punctuated career and a long absence to overcome, but form shown when second to Yorkhill at Punchestown (and win over High Bridge over this C&D previously) head and shoulders above the rest here. If fit after layoff, takes plenty of beating.
Useful on the Flat for Johnny Portman back in 2014, but not the same last year after an absence and regressed. Needs a change of scenery to have freshened him up, and can only be watched today, but may be one for the future if showing something today.
Just the one win in 25 starts on the Flat (over 7f) and hasn't been in much form recently. Stamina doubts as well and all in all, looks to have a bit too much to prove here.
Last at Epsom on latest run but that doesn't tell the story, as he was badly hampered at a key stage (eased right down) and previous two efforts over hurdles both decent in the context of this race. Likely conditions fine and may reward e/w backers.
Winner at 10f on the Flat last year at Bath and likes quick ground. Good first effort over hurdles when third to Adrrastos at Plumpton , showing some ability, and if tidying up his jumping a little and coming on from that, is one to consider.
Of little account on the Flat and no better on recent hurdles debut. Possible stamina doubts and others have far stronger profiles.
Forecasts
Ok Corral (1/3), Ruwasi (7/2), Shining Romeo (7/1), Zephyros (10/1), Pasaka Boy (16/1), Red Cossack (50/1), Free One (66/1), Chica Rapida (150/1)
The key here is whether OK CORRAL is fit and ready to go after a long absence. Clearly there's been issues but that fact that connections are persevering suggests that it's worth their while, and if retaining his ability, takes plenty of beating here. Ruwasi found all the trouble going at Epsom and is better than that, and his hurdles form so far entitles him to go close. Zephyros showed enough on his debut to suggest there's races to be won with him.
- Ok Corral
- Ruwasi
- Zephyros
Prize Money
1st: £3,249.002nd: £954.003rd: £477.004th: £238.00
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