16:15 Stratford

Saturday 9 September 2017

All13:5514:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:20

Vote Stratford Racing Post Readers Award Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 3m 56.4s

Mister Universum^t¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr S Davies-Thomas⁽⁷⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 125| BF| CD

4/5

Won two on the bounce but crashed and burned in his hat-trick bid. Still a good chance on face value, as we're yet to see the best of him, so heads the shortlist in the absence of betting. Still advisable follow the lead of the market nevertheless.

Form: 7-54112

Flashing Glance⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: T Lacey| BF

5/2

Four starts in already and has yet to drop a convincing hint that he is one to follow with maximum faith. Connections have secured the right man on board to bring but its very debatable as to whether even the champ's presence will be enough.

Form: 355-6

Frantical¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Lee Edwards| T: A W Carroll

14/1

Enjoyed success at a modest level on the Flat and, given his tough-as-teak pedigree, he was a very cheap purchase back in the day. Lots to prove on hurdling debut though. Gut feeling is that he's best watched.

Form:

Monty Massini¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams

33/1

Well beaten in all three starts so far and very easy to overlook on the evidence available. Would take a significant market move to rise the interest levels.

Form: 675

Not At All⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill

10/1

Highly unlikely this fellow will develop into a flag bearer for his illustrious and sporting owner, who knows only too well that you can't win them all.

Form: 2-5695

Reckless Behavior¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey

9/2

Going the right and can surely be placed to good effect in time. Has bit to find with Mister Universum but looks a likely type to capitalise of weight becomes an issue for his old rival.

Form: 2-63

Coup De Vent^h³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Dave Crosse| T: J G M O'Shea

50/1

Won from a mark of 52 on the Flat but spent this season in the handicapping wilderness and looks ready for a new challenge. This one is unlikely to be the making of him, however, if he runs true to form.

Form: 2047/

Simply Business^h¹¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-5| J: J J Burke| T: C E Longsdon

12/1

Cost €14,000 and is bred to appreciate the Jumping game. Showed promise in the latter of her two previous starts but needs to start upping her game. One to watch with interest but supporting her in the betting looks a bit risky.

Form: 84

Non-Runners

Balmont Belle²²

Weight: 10-5| Age: 7

T: B Leavy J: Lorcan Murtagh

Forecasts

Mister Universum (4/5), Flashing Glance (5/2), Reckless Behavior (9/2), Not At All (10/1), Simply Business (12/1), Frantical (14/1), Monty Massini (33/1), Coup De Vent (50/1), Balmont Belle (100/1)

There may well be more to come from Mister Universum and he has done plenty already to suggest he is capable of extending his run of good form. However, this is still a stiff test for him at the weights and there is a significant enough case to give RECKLESS BEHAVIOR a speculative throw of the dice in his bid to get one over on his old rival. Flashing Glance has hinted at ability and jockey bookings alone say he'll attract his fair share of interest...even though he has improvement to find.