16:10 Worcester

Wednesday 24 October 2018

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

7bets4free.com Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 4m 46.90s

Captain Peacock²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: L P Aspell| T: O Sherwood| OR: 130| D

6/1

80+ rated handicapper on the Flat has beaten subsequent winners in two victories this summer. Just touched off by Francky Du Berlais in a high calibre contest here last time and figures on a good mark despite topweight.

Form: 56P-112

Commodore Barry^t²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 127| CD

11/1

Came back from his summer break to record a impressive success at Southwell, always travelling best and holding on well. 7lb rise for that is fair and should have more to come for a yard going well. Every chance of the follow up.

Form: 240-311

Rebel Royal¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 126

20/1

Gets a big pull with Commodore Barry for the small amount he has to find on May running here. That rival has clearly improved a lot more in the interim judged on recent form.

Form: 771-22

Ilewin Geez⁸^{(ex 7)}

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Bannister| T: C J Mann| OR: 118| D

20/1

Known to burst blood vessels but has been well placed by his trainer to grab two of his last four races. Travelled strongly at Hereford when upped to this trip and capable of making his presence felt in this tougher company.

Form: 5-41321

Francky Du Berlais^t²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: James Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 124| CD

5/1

Just got the better of Captain Peacock over C&D under an inspired ride from this jockey. Had a hard race that day but he is a tough sort who has made the frame in each of his races over hurdles thus far.

Form: 2-31221

Truckers Lodge^p1²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 122| D

14/1

Moved from Tom George's yard having comfortably gained a first hurdle success on good ground in May. Disappointing on stable debut when behind a couple of these and no obvious excuse. Cheekpieces are tried now.

Form: 11/42-14

Whitley Neill^p1,t⁶⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 118

33/1

Caused an upset at Exeter in April and then failed to follow up that effort under a penalty when hanging badly from two out. Has had wind surgery since but only third of four on return and this is tougher.

Form: 60/1-43

Lucky Robin²²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: B S Hughes| T: B Ellison| OR: 117

16/1

Made all to land a couple of minor races in slow times before finding a well-handicapped rival too strong last time when denied the lead. Hard to see him dominating a field as strong as this.

Form: 00-2112

Peggies Venture²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 117| CD

17/2

Had a confidence boosting victory here in May. Runs to a consistent level, but her best form has come in lower grades.

Form: 230-142

Blackdown Hills⁶⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: N de Boinville| T: J W Mullins| OR: 117| CD

20/1

C&D winner who followed up at Southwell. The bare form amounts to little but her handicap mark reflects that and she could easily have a bit in hand of the assessor.

Form: P4/42-11

Victarion¹⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 115| BF

10/1

Not badly handicapped with Commodore Barry and Rebel Royal on May C&D running, but he did not take to these obstacles that day and concedes a fitness advantage.

Form: 542/04-3

Monty's Award^h⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: S Bowen| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 114| C

4/1

No match for a fitter rival here last time. Has not looked straightforward in recent outings and this is not an easy task.

Form: 3305P-2

Dory^p1²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Edward Austin⁽⁷⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 111| BF| D

7/1

Did not jump these brush obstacles fluently when qualifying for this in June. Better since and cheekpieces on this time for last year's winning yard.

Form: 725-212

Non-Runners

The Bottom Bar¹²⁵

Weight: 11-9| Age: 6

T: N J Henderson J: D A Jacob

Max Liebermann⁵

Weight: 10-10| Age: 4

T: J Ryan J: P J Brennan

Forecasts

Monty's Award (4/1), Francky Du Berlais (5/1), Captain Peacock (6/1), Dory (7/1), The Bottom Bar (7/1), Peggies Venture (17/2), Victarion (10/1), Commodore Barry (11/1), Truckers Lodge (14/1), Lucky Robin (16/1), Ilewin Geez (20/1), Blackdown Hills (20/1), Rebel Royal (20/1), Whitley Neill (33/1), Max Liebermann (50/1)

This is more competitive than anything ILEWIN GEEZ has contested yet, but he was so convincing last time when stepped up to this trip that he appeals as being on the right side of the handicapper. Blackdown Hills may have beaten little last time but the handicapper has nevertheless taken a generous view of the performance. Francky Du Berlais and Captain Peacock had little between them here last time. Both will be carried out on their shields but a bigger threat may come from Commodore Barry who won with more in hand than the margin suggested last time.