14:45 Hereford
Wednesday 21 December 2022
All12:1512:4513:1513:4514:1514:4515:1515:45
Cazoo Handicap Hurdle
- 3YO plus  |  Class 5  |  2m 5f 163y  |  Soft  |  14 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:47Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 5m 42.22s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Best effort yet over hurdles in a first-time visor (retained) when third in a 19.5f Lingfield handicap last time. This intermediate trip could be just the ticket and returning to a right-hand track should help (frequently jumped right at Lingfield), so he's one for the shortlist.
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Didn't show much in 4 starts over hurdles for 2 different trainers in Ireland, and a transformation is required on debut for another new yard here.
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First piece of worthwhile form when sixth of 11 in novice hurdle at Uttoxeter on return in October. Unseated rider at the fifth flight on subsequent handicap bow at Southwell and, even if he avoids mishaps here, improvement is needed.
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Improved form when runner-up in handicaps hurdles (both at around 2½m) at Ffos Las and Lingfield last month. Failed to deliver the knockout blow on each occasion having travelled best, but it could be that the addition of cheekpieces here will help him go through with his effort.
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Placed in mares' maiden/novice events around 2½m earlier in the year. Not disgraced when sixth of 16 in a handicap at Uttoxeter (2½m) recently and eased 5 lb since, so she's not entirely dismissed.
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Made the frame all 4 starts switched to handicaps in 2021 and resumes here on a pretty attractive mark. Still, wellbeing needs taking on trust following a 17-month absence.
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Opened hurdles account in first-time cheekpieces at Ayr (20.4f) in May and found just one too good returned to this sphere at Exeter recently. One to consider back up in trip off an unchanged mark.
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Remains a maiden following 18 attempts in this sphere and, unless the addition of a hood precipitates a return to something like his peak form, another struggle is probably on the cards.
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Well held both completed starts over hurdles but it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he'll improve now upped in trip for this handicap debut. Watch the betting for clues.
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Went close in a Southwell maiden hurdle on first start for this yard last October but it's been pretty much downhill all the way since.
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Produced much his best effort since switched to handicaps when staying on for fourth at Uttoxeter (2½m) back from a break last month. Stamina perhaps stretched over 24.3f on slow ground at Southwell since and he's probably worth another chance.
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One-time smart performer on the Flat in France and while he's been more miss than hit since switched to hurdles, his latest third in first-time cheekpieces at Exeter (18.5f) represented a step forward. Place possibilities if able to build on that up in trip here.
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Left previous form well behind when going close over 19f here in March. Followed that with a respectable effort at Chepstow but reappearance effort was poor and others make greater appeal.
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Won at Market Rasen and Fontwell in the first half of 2021/22 campaign. Largely struggled since and while he performed with credit form 7 lb out of the handicap at Ludlow last month, it remains to be seen whether he'll reproduce that level of form here.
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Forecasts
Roger Rarebit (15/8), Mad About Sally (6/1), Navegaon Gate (6/1), Unspeakable (13/2), Isle Of Aron (15/2), Fortune Cookie (11/1), Justshortofabubble (16/1), Lighthouse Mill (18/1), Gyllen (20/1), Bucks Dream (28/1), Black Lightning (33/1), Harde Fashion (40/1), Steady Away (66/1), Bertie's Bandana (66/1)
ROGER RAREBIT again failed to get the job done despite travelling like much the best horse in the race at Lingfield last time, but he's clearly not short of ability and gets the nod here in the hope that the first-time cheekpieces help him deliver the knockout blow he has been promising. Navegaon Gate is second choice on the strength of his improved effort at Lingfield, while handicap debutant Unspeakable will be of interest if the market vibes are upbeat and Isle of Aron also merits respect.
- Roger Rarebit15/8
- Unspeakable13/2
Prize Money
1st: £2,941.002nd: £1,355.003rd: £677.004th: £350.005th: £350.006th: £350.00
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