Ladbrokes Where The Nation Plays Novice Stakes

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 2m 8.25s

(3)

London Arch⁵⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: S Donohoe| T: C Fellowes

11/10

Fastnet Rock colt. Improved from encouraging second on debut with narrow - yet game - success in 1m Newcastle novice in January, just ahead of re-opposing Pitcher's Point. Extra 2f should suit and solid claims despite 7lb penalty.

Form: 2-1

(1)

Ihearalotofstories

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: L Morris| T: M J Attwater

50/1

Finjaan gelding. Half-brother to several winners including 1m4f winner Astra Hall. Dam was a winner up to 1m5f. Trainer is only 3-104 in AW maiden/novice contest over five years though. Best watched.

Form:

(4)

Pitcher's Point²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 82| BF

10/11

Expensive purchase but now a thrice-raced maiden. Getting better with each start however and recent close second at Chelmsford makes him hard to beat, especially getting weight from his nearst rival.

Form: 322

(5)

Quantum Dawn²⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston

20/1

Dawn Approach colt who has only raced once so far. Disappointed when seventh of eight at Southwell (1m) and now goes up in trip in search for improvement. Others make more appeal.

Form: 7

(2)

Rockmore

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Rob Hornby| T: J G Portman

33/1

Mukhadram gelding whose dam was a winner over 1m. Half-brother to 6f winner Tanti Palmer. Pedigree suggest this trip may stretch him. Of interest in time.

Form:

Non-Runners

(6)

Margueritedevalois

Weight: 8-11| Age: 3

T: J & T Gosden J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Pitcher's Point (10/11), London Arch (11/10), Margueritedevalois (4/1), Quantum Dawn (20/1), Rockmore (33/1), Ihearalotofstories (50/1)

A race which could unearth potentially a smart sort, PITCHER’S POINT has proven to be slightly frustrating to date, but shaped with encouragement last time and with a hefty 7lb pull with nearest rival London Arch, he looks set to belatedly get his head in front. The latterly-mentioned horse has done nothing wrong but may struggle to defy a penalty, while the unexposed duo of Margeuritedevalois and Quantum Dawn could be winning in time but may find this too hot of a contest.