17:00 Warwick

Monday 7 May 2018

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:0017:30

Henry J Socks Ltd Handicap Hurdle (Div 1)

Off time: 17:00 | Winning time: 5m 59.1s

Boss Mans Ladder^p¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 12-1| J: R P McLernon| T: B Pauling| OR: 107

7/2

Had looked as though he would struggle over hurdles early on but given a proper test of stamina at Stratford (3m2f) he came to life. Been given a 2lb higher mark here but should be able to manage that; will enjoy this test.

Form: 578081-

Argent Knight^p⁵⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Reed⁽⁵⁾| T: C N Kellett| OR: 104

33/1

Nowhere near the form he showed on the Flat at one time although he did show a little bit more last time. Cheekpieces now go on for the first time over jumps (wore them when successful on the Flat); hard to know what ability remains.

Form: 227/084-

Strawberry Spirit²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 102

16/1

Underperformed on her handicap debut recently at Ludlow over 2m5f doing little to suggest that she wants this far. Looks to have a fairly tough mark to deal with also and others make more appeal.

Form: 7U4550-

Indian Reel^p,t²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Lily Pinchin⁽⁷⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 98

8/1

His hurdles win came over much shorter in a fairly lowly grade and his record looks patchy overall. Managed to take third last time out but didn't provide any threat to the principals.

Form: 361423-

Breaking Ground^b,t¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs R Ford| OR: 94

11/4

Appeared to enjoy the test of stamina that he was given recently when winning over 2m7f at Exeter (first-time blinkers); had plenty in hand. Given an 8lb rise for that romp but looks as though he can handle that and a player here.

Form: 01U551-

Blue Rhythm¹²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 94

12/1

Last two outings have resulted in falls and returns from a long absence here so likely to need the run. Should be suited by a test like this and one to watch with this under his belt.

Form: 46/42FF-

Bronzallure^b1,t²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 92

18/1

Upped in trip for his handicap debut (2m5f) he failed to improve for a move into this sphere or the first-time headgear. Hard to make a case for him here as he's moved up in trip again.

Form: 58700-

Scrumpy Boy^t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-4| J: Harry Bannister| T: B Barr| OR: 82

7/1

Failed to stay this trip when tried at it before and has shown very little on his last few outings. Tongue-tie retained but it will take more than that to revive his form.

Form: 9756P7-

Silver Dragon²⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 10-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: M E Sowersby| OR: 80| D

20/1

Hardly the most consistent of animals he did turn in a reasonable performance last time but isn't one to rely on. Often let down by his attitude and his jumping best watched here.

Form: 1/704P3-

Ring Minella^t¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: P J Brennan| T: P Henderson| OR: 77

5/1

Continues to tumble in the weights without really showing any sign of taking advantage and not one to be going overboard about.

Form: 03P5P7-

Forecasts

Breaking Ground (11/4), Boss Mans Ladder (7/2), Ring Minella (5/1), Scrumpy Boy (7/1), Indian Reel (8/1), Blue Rhythm (12/1), Strawberry Spirit (16/1), Bronzallure (18/1), Silver Dragon (20/1), Argent Knight (33/1)

This test of stamina could be too much for one or two of these in a race where here aren’t many consistent types. BREAKING GROUND is taken to cope with his 8lb higher mark gained from his Exeter win last time especially if the blinkers continue to provide some spark. Boss Mans Ladder is another who looks well suited by a test although his future lies over fences and he might find it tough to concede weight to all the field. Blue Rhythm should be noted in the market and hopefully he can avoid any mishaps with Indian Reel also given a favourable mention.