14:20 Chepstow
Tuesday 31 October 2017
All13:1513:4514:2014:5015:2515:5516:30
Polar Bear Windows Handicap Hurdle
- 3YO plus | Class 5 | 2m 11y | Good to Soft (Good in places) | 18 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:21 | Winning time: 4m 11.6s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Slightly lucky scorer at Towcester when last seen (second threw race away on run in) but nevertheless, that was a better effort and she's only 3lb higher here. Went well fresh there too, so absence here not an issue, and she has to be considered.
Coming down in the handicap and will find this easier than some of the tasks he's been taking on, but isn't showing enough to think he can take advantage. Hard to predict, but others hold stronger claims.
Possibly an unlucky loser when last seen out, unseating at Kempton when in with every chance. Absent since then but a very interesting jockey booking, and must be of interest again if the money comes.
Early casualty at Huntingdon earlier in the month, sent off big prices most starts before that but had shown promise at Warwick in May and on that showing, isn;t out of this, with top jockey booked.
Has been tried at a variety of trips already, all to little avail, and in truth looks one paced whatever trip she tries. Already looks on downgrade and hard to make a solid case for.
Well beaten all starts and despite only going off an 8/1 chance at Newton Abbot latest, was still well beaten. Some promise at Ffos Las before that but others still make more convincing cases.
Well beaten in handicap hurdles recently but new yard have rejuvenated a couple of similar sorts this year, and if they can turn this one around then he's well enough handicapped to make a showing. Winner here on the Flat and needs a market check.
Bit unlucky to bump into one or two well handicapped sorts this summer, often travels very strongly in her races but finds less than expected off the bridle. Trip and ground fine and large field means she can be smuggled away, so not ruled out.
A regular in these events and occasionally runs well, but still a maiden and usually finds a few to beat him. Likely to need this after an absence too, so others readily preferred.
Third in a Newton Abbot novice hurdle the highlight of her short career so far, form that needs improvement here. Young enough to do so but others make more appeal at this stage.
First run for this yard after leaving Tim Vaughan, but they are struggling to find some form, so not necessarily a positive at this stage. May want further than this but still of interest if strong in the market.
Well beaten at big prices all starts to date, and although stepping into handicap company on a very low mark and showing a little more at Bangor last time, others make more appeal.
Showed some form when third at Uttoxeter in September but that was over three miles, not two, and he's likely to find this on the short side. Best watched unless market says otherwise.
Multiple winner here on the Flat but hurdles runs have been few and far between, and there has to be a doubt about his stamina for this. In no great form anyway, and others preferred.
Tale of woe form-wise, and rather disgraced himself by refusing to start at Uttoxeter when last seen. Little to recommend him at present and is passed over.
Occasionally pulls a half-decent effort out of the bag, as when third at Southwell in August, but generally opposable (just 2 wins from 22 starts) and makes little appeal.
Just two wins from 57 starts tells it's own story, has ability but so tricky to win with as he needs to be delivered right on the line (pulls himself up in front). Better known as a chaser and can't be recommended for win purposes.
Can pull hard and get worked up pre-race, has some ability but just 3 wins form 52 starts is nothing to write home about, and even at best is playing for places here.
Forecasts
Princess Roania (4/1), Rif Raftou (9/2), Dalaman (13/2), Black Buble (8/1), Orthodox Lad (9/1), Winido (12/1), Yourholidayisover (14/1), Boutan (14/1), Matts Legacy (16/1), Hartside (16/1), Shadow Blue (20/1), Parlour Maid (20/1), Ujagar (20/1), Come On Louis (25/1), Peak Storm (25/1), Norse Castle (33/1), Spillers Dream (50/1), Chica Rapida (66/1)
Quantity rather than quality here, and with the likes of Shadow Blue and Parlour Maid likely to make this a decent test, it could finally be the opportunity that RIF RAFTOU has been waiting for. She's come up against the likes of the improving Shanksforamillion this summer and there's nothing of that calibre here. She can come through late to win. Boutan is likely to be ignored in the market as her form isn't much to write home about, but Grace Harris has had a couple of first time up winners from other yards and isn't to be underestimated. Parlour Maid is improving and can take third. Black Buble will be interesting if the market speaks in his favour too.
- Rif Raftou
- Boutan
- Parlour Maid
Prize Money
1st: £3,249.002nd: £954.003rd: £477.004th: £238.00
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