15:35 Newbury

Friday 1 December 2017

All12:2012:5013:2013:5014:2515:0015:35

Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 6m 4.95s

Whataknight^t²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr M Legg⁽⁵⁾| T: H Fry| OR: 142| D

11/2

Been in the grip of the handicapper for a while but he's starting to relent, and he ran much better over C&D last time when finding Dell Arca on a going day. Trip and ground ideal again, and if repeating the dose, should go close.

Form: 26-0372

Oscarteea^t,v1¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: James Bowen⁽⁵⁾| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 137

20/1

Pops up now and then but since an easy win at Market Rasen in the summer, the handicapper has been in charge. Change of headgear today, which may help, but there look to be better options.

Form: 714524

I Shot The Sheriff^t²⁵⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 137

12/1

Interesting on first run for new yard (who are 5-21 last 12 months with other's castoffs first time up) as he looks on a workable mark on the best of his form for Tony Martin, and is unexposed at the trip. Trainer going great guns too.

Form: 2110/3P-

Actinpieces¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Miss Gina Andrews⁽³⁾| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 134| D

14/1

Better known as a chaser these days but reverting to hurdles on a fair mark here, and will have ideal conditions too. Fakenham win upheld by the second winning next time, and could be a bit of value.

Form: 213F-12

Forza Milan²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Killian Moore⁽³⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 134

5/1

Up 6lb for his Aintree second but front two there pulled well clear, and winner is unexposed too. Stays very well and travelled nicely last time, needs some cut so ground fine, and no reason no to go well once again.

Form: 6221-62

Hello George^p²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 133| BF| C

6/1

Generally pretty consistent and goes on a variety of ground, so has that going for him, ran well on comeback at Ayr when not getting beaten far and Richard Johnson (who has been on for all wins) back in the saddle. Another with solid chances.

Form: 021/51-2

The Organist²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: B J Geraghty| T: O Sherwood| OR: 133| D

12/1

Looked like making up into a high-class mare but it's all rather unravelled in the past 12 months, although in her defence she has been highly tried at times. This more suitable but needs to put a moderate effort last time behind her.

Form: 23674-7

Boyhood¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 130

11/2

Unexposed, and lowered the colours of multiple winner Hallings Comet last time out, only having to be pushed out for an easy win. 7lb rise of less concern than this increase in trip, as he's looked happier at shorter to date.

Form: 3/2214-1

Beneficial Joe^h²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: N D Fehily| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 129| BF

14/1

It's been a story of steady improvement over the past six months and he kept that forward momentum going with another good effort at Sedgefield last time. Up another 5lb but hard to knock his consistency, and should run his race once more.

Form: F35712

Beneagles^v1²²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 127| BF

4/1

Looked hard work when finishing third over C&D last time out (Whataknight second) so no surprise to see the visor given a try today. Still young enough to improve, so can't be ruled out of it does the trick, but comes with risks now.

Form: P2215-3

This Is It²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: D A Jacob| T: Nick Mitchell| OR: 122

12/1

Came back fro a break to record a good win at Exeter last time out, but has gone up 6lb for that and this looks a lot tougher. Clearly in good heart but needs more improvement to trouble a few of these.

Form: F5332-1

Forecasts

Beneagles (4/1), Forza Milan (5/1), Boyhood (11/2), Whataknight (11/2), Hello George (6/1), The Organist (12/1), This Is It (12/1), I Shot The Sheriff (12/1), Actinpieces (14/1), Beneficial Joe (14/1), Oscarteea (20/1)

Plenty of improvers here, but FORZA MILAN caught the attention of many at Aintree last time, travelling well and only finding another fast improving type too good. This galloping track will suit him and he can gain compensation here. Hello George is a bit more exposed than a few but doesn't know how to run a bad race and should be on the premises. Money for I Shot The Sheriff needs treating seriously as the yard can line them up first time out.