13:45 Hereford

Tuesday 4 January 2022

All12:4513:1513:4514:1514:5015:2015:50

Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 6m 26.30s

Theme Tune^p³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-1| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 122

8/1

Much better sent hurdling up in trip last winter, winning in the mud at Ludlow and Carlisle. Jumped poorly on handicap debut in March and that was also the case fitted with cheekpieces on return.

Form: 6/3114-4

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Mr Clarkson^t,v²⁴³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: Philip Armson⁽⁷⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 119

33/1

Losing run dates back to July 2019 but he dropped in the weights and found only one too good at Worcester in May. Off since but in very capable hands.

Form: 09573-2

Scarpia¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 119

6/1

Much improved when opening account in good style in 17.7f Fontwell novice hurdle in March, staying on well. Excellent return to action when runner-up on handicap debut at Ascot (21.6f). Up in trip.

Form: 74415-2

Mr Washington^p,t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Lily Pinchin⁽⁵⁾| T: T Symonds| OR: 119| D

7/1

Four-time hurdle winner last winter and resumed progress straight away after 9 months off with victory in 23.6f handicap at Chepstow in November. Cracking second at Uttoxeter since.

Form: 1114-12

Global Harmony^p1²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 116| CD

20/1

Suited by increase in trip when landing 4-runner mares' handicap over C&D in March. Low-key start over fences but could easily get back on track over timber in headgear.

Form: 4513-4P

Subcontinent²⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 115

40/1

Scored over fences at Ludlow in February but has failed to complete in his 3 runs since. Plenty to prove at present for all he represents an in-form yard.

Form: 351P-FP

Gazette Bourgeoise¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Bannister| T: B I Case| OR: 115| BF

7/2

Likeable type who showed improved form when opening her account in maiden company at Stratford (22f) on return in October. Solid efforts under a penalty since and now up in trip back in a handicap.

Form: 334-124

Fitzroy^p⁷⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: W T Kennedy| T: S-J Davies| OR: 114

150/1

Fairly useful hurdles winner for Olly Murphy but proved disappointing over fences/hurdles in second half of 2021, including on stable debut.

Form: 1-24U30

Go Chique^p1³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr Ben Ffrench Davis⁽⁷⁾| T: N J Henderson| OR: 114

18/1

Won 3m Southwell handicap hurdle in the spring and has returned in good form, placed again in similar event at Wetherby last time. One to consider fitted with cheekpieces for the first time.

Form: 841-623

Steinkraus²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 113

16/1

Improved performer switched to handicaps of late, excuses for effort here in November and that run flanked by wins. 7 lb rise asks for more but he's clearly in good order.

Form: 372141

Fifrelet^p²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: C J Todd⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 110

33/1

Dual-bumper winner who made most of good opening to score on hurdles bow at Newton Abbot (21.5f) in September. Couple of heavy defeats since and now upped markedly in trip for handicap debut.

Form: 1/21140

Art Of Diplomacy⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 110

4/1

Flat winner who was in process of running big race when exiting at final flight on handicap debut at Huntingdon (25f). Made a winning start for new yard at Ludlow and there's more to come.

Form: 478/F-61

Glance From Clover²⁴³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Alex Edwards⁽³⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 107| BF

11/1

Upped his game when second of 12 in handicap hurdle here (21.7f, heavy) in March. Not as good at Worcester 2 months later and off since.

Form: 64P02-5

Beau Haze³³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-3| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: P C Dando| OR: 96| C

10/1

Completed a double at Ffos Las in May and has hit the frame all 3 outings upon return. Likely to give another good account if staying this new trip.

Form: 211343

Forecasts

Gazette Bourgeoise (7/2), Art Of Diplomacy (4/1), Scarpia (6/1), Mr Washington (7/1), Theme Tune (8/1), Beau Haze (10/1), Glance From Clover (11/1), Steinkraus (16/1), Go Chique (18/1), Global Harmony (20/1), Fifrelet (33/1), Mr Clarkson (33/1), Subcontinent (40/1), Fitzroy (150/1)

ART OF DIPLOMACY made the perfect start for Dr Richard Newland at Ludlow and a subsequent 8 lb rise shouldn't prevent a very bold follow-up bid. This is competitive though, with Mr Washington and Scarpia just a couple of potential threats.