13:40 Aintree

Saturday 11 November 2017

All12:3013:0513:4014:1514:5015:2516:00

Pertemps Network (Supporting BTRC) Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 6m 18.8s

Beer Goggles^t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Mitchell Bastyan⁽⁵⁾| T: R Woollacott| OR: 152

9/1

Improved by leaps and bounds in handicaps winning three of his last four races (second over C&D in the other one). Picked up where he left off last time out winning after a break but has to improve again here off a 7lb higher mark.

Form: F311-21

Vyta Du Roc¹⁹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 145

9/1

Makes his seasonal return over hurdles having not been seen in this sphere since April 2015. Second in the bet365 Gold Cup when last seen off a mark of 137 his mark looks more challenging here and he could be better for the run.

Form: 5/36P52-

Big Easy^p³⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 10-8| J: R T Dunne| T: Ian Williams| OR: 134| D

18/1

Given a sharpener on the Flat last time (has shown some useful form in that sphere) and still capable of showing good form over hurdles. This will be his first start over hurdles for his new yard but could do with some help from the handicapper.

Form: 0/P0-316

Holly Bush Henry^b¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Fergus Gregory⁽⁷⁾| T: P W Middleton| OR: 134| D

9/1

Had shown some useful form in the past and initially didn't look rejuvenated by a change of stable but the addition of blinkers has worked the oracle. Won two of his last three and ran with credit in this grade last time; respected.

Form: 665116

Earthmoves^p,t¹¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 133

25/1

Return to hurdles after a break having been a three-time winner over fences since the spring. Appeared to be rejuvenated by this yard but found a competitive chase too much for him last time and this looks tough as well.

Form: 71-4119

Nautical Nitwit²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: Thomas Dowson⁽⁵⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 133| BF

33/1

Hurdles form was progressive through 2016 and early 2017 winning three times. Returned from a break in July and whilst running with credit he does look weighted to the hilt now and he's been held off this mark so far.

Form: 10-3433

Louis' Vac Pouch^h²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 132

5/2

Started the year with a flourish winning three out of four and winning on his handicap debut from what looked to be a stiff opening mark (125). Ran well on his reappearance in a top class handicap (caught too far back); some doubts about this trio though.

Form: 41F11-6

Forza Milan⁵⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Killian Moore⁽³⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 128| BF

4/1

Brought along steadily in novices' justifying favouritism on his third start at Chepstow on heavy ground over 2m4f. Upped in trip after a break and easy to back on his reappearance he shaped very encouragingly and is one to be interested in.

Form: 6221-6

Winningtry²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: S Bowen| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 128

4/1

Bumper/novice hurdle winner who also won on his handicap debut in a decent Ayr race showing that stamina was his forte. Not seen at his best last time back from a break (hampered at start) and may do better yet with the run of the race.

Form: 32311-6

Bon Chic^v¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Charlotte Jones⁽¹⁰⁾| T: James Moffatt| OR: 122| CD

25/1

Had started to look unreliable over fences but switched back to hurdles wearing a first-time visor and off a falling mark she capitalised on an aggressive ride here over C&D last time. Very much had the run of the race and unlikely to be allowed as much rope here.

Form: U362P1

Forecasts

Louis' Vac Pouch (5/2), Forza Milan (4/1), Winningtry (4/1), Beer Goggles (9/1), Holly Bush Henry (9/1), Vyta Du Roc (9/1), Big Easy (18/1), Bon Chic (25/1), Earthmoves (25/1), Nautical Nitwit (33/1)

There are some progressive types in this and the feeling is that there are a few who can improve on what they have already done. Beer Googles will need to remain on his upward curve facing possibly his toughest test yet but has a very good claimer on board taking 5lb off and he must be respected. Phillip Hobbs is a trainer who should always be looked out for in Pertemps qualifiers and his Louis’ Vac Pouch could well come on for his Chepstow run despite not being a certain stayer at this 3m trip. If the blinkers on Holly Bush Henry he would come into the mix although Bon Chic faces a tougher task to follow-up off a 9lb higher mark and running from out the handicap. Winning Try is certainly capable of showing more than he did on his debut and he still resides on a dangerous mark but the suggestion is FORZA MILAN. He showed plenty of promise on his reappearance and would be a fitting winner at Aintree as he’s a full brother to Grand National winner One For Arthur who is sadly sidelined for the season.