15:25 Huntingdon

Saturday 25 November 2017

All12:0012:3013:0513:4014:1514:5015:25

1stsecuritysolutions.co.uk Maiden Open NH Flat Race

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 3m 19.1s

Classula²⁸⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Brendan Powell| T: Miss C Dyson

100/1

Sent off triple figure odds and no threat in bumpers at Ludlow (December) and Kempton (February). Returns from absence and no reason to suspect change in fortune will be dramatic.

Form: 80-

French Crusader

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: Alan Doyle⁽¹⁰⁾| T: N J Henderson

5/6

Gelding by Kapgarde, he cost €70,000 as a three-year-old and is a half-brother to multiple winners on the Flat. Represents Seven Barrows on debut and appears to have been found an excellent opening.

Form:

Gaucho²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: Tom Humphries⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

11/2

Half-brother to 2m2f hurdle winner Ginjo and 2m selling hurdle winner Goldie Horn. Longer term prospect seemingly, having been beaten a long way out in a Cheltenham bumper last month.

Form: 0

Mayden Massini²¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: P Hide

100/1

Never any sort of threat in bumpers at Uttoxeter and Fontwell, runs that were separated by 647 days. Been off again since April and hopes appear minimal at the moment.

Form: 0/5-

Nevada²⁹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: R Patrick⁽⁵⁾| T: S Gollings

4/1

Has already taken three bumpers in and has shown some promise, although did weaken out of things a little quickly on final start last season. Probably needs to progress again, and others make a little more appeal on first start for 298 days.

Form: 455-

Blazing Gold

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: James Nixon⁽⁷⁾| T: R Dickin

50/1

Fair Mix filly with plenty stamina in pedigree, this is not a strong contest but will arguably be seen to better effect over further in time.

Form:

Cheeky Chica

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: Mr James King⁽⁵⁾| T: N P Mulholland

13/2

Stowaway filly whose dam was a lightly-raced bumper/2m3f hurdle winner. Could have something to say for herself on debut in this modest looking contest.

Form:

Dubai Dirham³⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: Tom Cannon| T: Miss S Smith

12/1

Finished in midfield in a bumper at Newbury in December last year and not seen since. Relocated to this yard in the interim, market may reveal what is expected on return.

Form: 5-

Topline Diva^h1

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Ben Hicks⁽⁷⁾| T: J Santos

50/1

Top Line Dancer mare is a half-sister to two winners on Flat and will be sporting a hood on debut. Yard not known for bumpers runners (0-4 previously).

Form:

Forecasts

French Crusader (5/6), Nevada (4/1), Gaucho (11/2), Cheeky Chica (13/2), Dubai Dirham (12/1), Blazing Gold (50/1), Topline Diva (50/1), Classula (100/1), Mayden Massini (100/1)

Those with experience don't overly excite, so the theory goes that the champion trainer has picked a decent starting place for FRENCH CRUSADER. He cost €70,000 as a three-year-old and it won't be any great surprise if he's up to a winning start. Fellow newcomer Cheeky Chica is also noted and should have this sort of race in her scope. Gaucho may improve having weakened rapidly at Cheltenham on debut while Dubai Dirham would register some interest should the market speak favourably.