13:10 Fakenham

Wednesday 1 January 2020

All12:0512:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:30

Fakenham Racecourse Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 5m 16.93s

Chirico Vallis^h,t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 125| BF

13/2

Was successful at Ludlow (2m5f) on his penultimate start. Went close to following that up last time at Leicester (2m4½f) when he was second of six runners after going off as the 13/8 favourite. Has gone up 4lb for that run. Big player again.

Form: P-P6612

Raven's Tower¹⁰⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Luca Morgan⁽⁷⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 125

33/1

Has not been victorious since he scored at Fontwell (2m1½f) in November 2017. Ran well at Perth (2m) three runs ago to finish second of seven but has been disappointing on his last two starts. Capable off this mark.

Form: 83-7246

Haafapiece³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 125

4/1

Scored for the second time over hurdles on his last outing at Huntingdon (2m). Was second over this C&D on his opening appearance of the season. Has been raised 5lb by the handicapper but is one to consider still.

Form: 542321

Havana Hermano²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 122| C

11/4

Won around this course (2m) back in January but has been unable to add to his tally since. He was sixth of 11 at Huntingdon (2m) on his last start. Has been eased 3lb in the weights. Others appeal more.

Form: 3F-3556

Black Buble³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Lee Edwards| T: A W Carroll| OR: 121| D

6/1

Recorded three wins in four starts earlier this year, shooting up the weights as a result. Was seventh of 18 last time at Newbury (3m). Back down in distance now where he is off his last winning mark. Worth consideration.

Form: 112-647

Sleep Easy^p²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: M D Grant| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 120

28/1

Was successful in a seller two runs ago at Taunton (2m3f). Finished ninth of 13 in a Listed race at Sandown (2m) last time in what was his first run for his new yard. Has been eased 3lb which gives him an each-way chance.

Form: 3-14019

Trapper Peak³⁷

Age: 11| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Reed⁽³⁾| T: Justin Landy| OR: 116| BF| CD

13/2

Prevailed in four consecutive races, including a success over this C&D, before his run came to an end last time at Musselburgh (2m4f). Remains off the same mark as his third place finish on his latest outing. One for the shortlist.

Form: 411-113

Poucor²²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: M Goldstein| T: M R Channon| OR: 112| BF

20/1

Was a winner at Plumpton (2m) three runs ago in a six runner contest. Went off as the 4/1 favourite on his latest start at Uttoxeter (2m) but could only finish eighth of 10. Up in trip now. Others are preferred.

Form: 174-148

Midnightreflection²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Kielan Woods| T: B I Case| OR: 110

6/1

Is still a maiden after five starts. Has been better since switching to hurdles. She was fourth of 13 on her handicap debut last time at Sandown (2m4f). Is down 1lb and is open to improvement still. Not one to ignore.

Form: 9-6434

Ladronne²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: T Collier| OR: 101

12/1

Has had just the two races over hurdles. He produced his best run of his career last time when he was second of eight at Sedgefield (2m4f). Set for his handicap debut here where he will be interesting if there is market support behind him.

Form: 63-442

Forecasts

Havana Hermano (11/4), Haafapiece (4/1), Black Buble (6/1), Midnightreflection (6/1), Trapper Peak (13/2), Chirico Vallis (13/2), Ladronne (12/1), Poucor (20/1), Sleep Easy (28/1), Raven's Tower (33/1)

CHIRICO VALLIS is in great form at the moment and he can continue to progress from top weight with his second victory in his last three starts. Haafapiece will be looking to follow up from his success at Huntingdon last time and is unlikely to be far away from doing that, while Trapper Peak should hit the frame again off this mark even though the handicapper may have hold of him now.