15:50 Newbury

Wednesday 16 January 2019

All13:1013:4014:1514:5015:2015:50

Howard Rudman Memorial Standard Open NH Flat Race

Off time: 15:52 | Winning time: 4m 11.50s

Alph²⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| BFWS

2/1

Made a long odds-on favourite for debut at Ludlow last May but had to settle for second after racing too keenly. Had wind surgery since and expecting him to prove a different proposition now for the champion trainer.

Form: 2

Forest Lord²⁷⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Teal⁽⁵⁾| T: N Lampard

100/1

Son of Native Ruler a remote last of nine in lone point-to-point back in April. Can only be watched here based on that evidence.

Form: 9-

Namib Dancer

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle

12/1

Son of Westerner a half-brother to two placed performers over this trip. Trainer has excellent record in such contests and this lone runner here today so market check strongly advised.

Form:

The Macon Lugnatic¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: David Bass| T: B Pauling| BF

11/2

Good second on debut at Uttoxeter but disappointing next time as favourite when sixth of nine at Warwick. In little doubt he will leave that run behind so one for the shortlist here.

Form: 26

Dylan's Sea Song

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: James Davies| T: M D I Usher

50/1

Dylan Thomas newcomer a half-sister to two flat winners at up to 1m2f. Stamina questionable pedigree wise and other newcomers appeal more.

Form:

Molly Ollys Wishes

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

9/1

Newcomer by Black Sam Bellamy the first racing progeny out of a dam who won twice over hurdles and twice over fences and was effective beyond 3m. May need longer trips but represents respected connections.

Form:

Calgary Tiger¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Joshua Moore| T: William Best-turner

100/1

Pitched in at the deep end in a Listed race at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and finished a tailed off last of 10. This easier but not enough encouragement there to be optimistic.

Form: 0

Ethandexter^h1

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: M Goldstein| T: M Madgwick

33/1

Alkaased newcomer out of an unraced mare and half-brother to a flat maiden of two races. Wears a hood first time which is rarely a good sign and best watched.

Form:

Extrodinair

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Jordan Nailor⁽⁷⁾| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

33/1

Captain Gerrard newcomer a half-brother to four maidens totalling 38 career starts. Not the most appealing pedigree wise so best watched on debut.

Form:

Highway One O Two

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: S Bowen| T: C Gordon

9/2

Shirocco newcomer a half-brother to two seven-time winners most notably the smart Doctor Harper. Certainly has the pedigree to merit respect so market will hopefully prove a good guide.

Form:

Midnight Glance

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King

9/1

Passing Glance newcomer the first progeny out of a seven time NH winner including one bumper. Represents highly respected yard well capable of bumper success so market check advised.

Form:

Prudhomme⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Lizzie Kelly⁽³⁾| T: Nick Williams

9/2

Newcomer by crack jumps sire Martaline cost €52,000 as a yearling and is a half-brother to three winners most notably high class hurdler and chaser Pont Alexandre. Unruly and unseated at the start on debut but worth watching here.

Form: U

Forecasts

Alph (2/1), Prudhomme (9/2), Highway One O Two (9/2), The Macon Lugnatic (11/2), Molly Ollys Wishes (9/1), Midnight Glance (9/1), Namib Dancer (12/1), Ethandexter (33/1), Extrodinair (33/1), Dylan's Sea Song (50/1), Forest Lord (100/1), Calgary Tiger (100/1)

The fact that ALPH was 4/11 favourite on debut spoke volumes as to the obvious regard he is held in at Seven Barrows but he had to settle for second. With time since and a wind-op he can go one better and avenge that costly defeat. The Macon Lugnatic also has a good second on his CV and rates the most obvious threat while newcomers Namib Dancer, Highway One O Two and Midnight Glance all make some appeal so should be watched in the market.