13:35 Taunton
Thursday 16 November 2017
All13:0513:3514:0514:3515:1015:4016:10
Reliable British Scaffolding Maiden Hurdle
- 4YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 3f 1y | Good (Good to Firm in places) | 12 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:35 | Winning time: 4m 39.05s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Bumper third early in the year before recent debut for these connections when third in a 2m novice hurdle at Wincanton. Extra 3f today ought to be fine particularly given likely quick ground and big player for trainer in fine form.
French 1m4f bumper winner has steadily improved in three races for the ten time champion trainer. Shaped as is this extra 2f would suit when a close third in a maiden hurdle here earlier in the month and expected to go well here.
Showed some ability in three maidens for John Gosden in 2016 but seen little in as many races for current yard. Pulled up on hurdles debut at Newton Abbot before a well beaten ninth of 12 at Ludlow latest. More needed.
Hurdling debut for this maiden of three bumpers. His best effort was actually his debut when a promising enough fourth at Ludlow. Well beaten both subsequent races and leap of faith required to fancy him here.
93 rated on the flat where he has won five times. Minor promise on hurdling debut at Ffos Las but beaten out of sight last twice at Fontwell and Ludlow. Maiden here slightly easier but not yet suggested he can transfer flat form to hurdles.
Point-to-point winner has shown almost nothing in four races under rules. Tailed off at 150/1 and 200/1 last twice at Exeter. Impossible to recommend.
Seven-time flat winner who likes rattling fast ground. Recently had second crack at hurdling, three years on from his debut over obstacles. Beaten out of sight there at 125/1 and not expecting much improvement.
Showed ability in four bumpers although he was disappointing in his last. Promise on hurdles debut at Bangor when fourth despite errors. Beaten when he fell next time at Fontwell. Back from a break now and each-way chance if jumping better.
Lowly flat horse but almost sprung a 100/1 upset on second hurdles start at Exeter. Shade disappointing here last time out when he made jumping errors. Likes to front-run and if he jumps well there aren't many here likely to catch him.
Well backed favourite on his racecourse debut last month and duly obliged in six-runner Worcester bumper. Won with plenty in hand despite a bit of greenness and could be a smart novice hurdler for top trainer.
47 rated flat maiden who had an unpleasant experience on his hurdling debut earlier this month when brought down at the first. Even if that hasn't knocked his confidence he is unlikely to feature.
Third as favourite in a Ffos Las bumper on debut before finishing fourth of six next time at Worcester. May appreciate longer trip here and a good run possible on hurdles debut for top trainer.
Forecasts
Contented (5/6), Darling Maltaix (11/4), Shoal Bay (6/1), Present Destiny (8/1), Tis What It Is (18/1), Rocket Ronnie (25/1), Faint Hope (50/1), Gang Warfare (66/1), Dharoos (66/1), Glens Wobbly (100/1), Slaying The Dragon (125/1), Gentleman Farmer (250/1)
SHOAL BAY made a good impression on debut at Worcester and the market suggested such a run was expected. The fact that he tackles obstacles for the first time today is only a minor concern given his trainer so he is worth chancing. Contented rates the main danger and Richard Johnson will have a clue of his mount's prospects given he rode Shoal Bay at Worcester. Also expected to be in the mix is Darling Maltaix who should appreciate this longer trip as long as he doesn't pull too hard.
- Shoal Bay
- Contented
- Darling Maltaix
Prize Money
1st: £3,899.002nd: £1,145.003rd: £572.004th: £286.00
MOST READ RACING
Follow & Track
Your favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My StableLog in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits
