Betway Heed Your Hunch Claiming Stakes

Off time: 13:46 | Winning time: 1m 10.25s

(4)

Swiss Pride^p³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: George Rooke⁽⁷⁾| T: R Hughes| OR: 74| CD

15/8

Fares better on the AW than he does on turf, including C&D win last March, and in good form this term. Last seen finishing third in higher grade handicap over C&D and takes step down. Leading claims.

Form: 523713-

(2)

Moon Trouble²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-4| J: Alistair Rawlinson| T: M Appleby| OR: 85| D

11/10

Contesting tougher contests without success this term and found 5f too sharp when last of six at Southwell in mid-December. Drastically down in grade and off a nice mark. Not to be discounted.

Form: 166066-

(5)

Upavon¹⁵⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 9-2| J: S W Kelly| T: A W Carroll| OR: 72| CD

16/1

C&D winner in the past but last win came in February 2018. Not as good on turf during 2019 and last seen finishing 6L last of nine at Brighton (6f) in August. Easy enough contest but a bit to prove at present.

Form: 862289-

(1)

Steelriver³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 9-1| J: Sean Davis⁽³⁾| T: M Herrington| OR: 76| CD

4/1

Previous C&D winner and not disgraced in five AW starts this term, including 2L fifth at Wolverhampton (6f) last month. Has a nice draw and ideal mark. Merits considerations.

Form: 053225-

Non-Runners

(3)

Flowers On Venus²

Weight: 9-0| Age: 8

T: P Butler J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Moon Trouble (11/10), Swiss Pride (15/8), Steelriver (4/1), Upavon (16/1), Flowers On Venus (50/1)

The form standard in the contest is seemingly set by SWISS PRIDE, who loves racing on a synthetic surface and takes a considerable drop in grade for this contest. With the 7lb claim from his rider it puts him bang in the mix of the handicap. The same can be said for Moon Trouble, who was found out at a higher grade but comes into the race being given a chance by the handicapper, while the veteran Steelriver has been consistent to his mark this term and gets the draw of the race in this.