14:50 Ffos Las

Tuesday 31 January 2023

All13:0513:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:35

Allan John (AJ) Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 5m 27.0s

Zertakt²²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 12-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 127

9/1

Low-mileage sort who landed 3 of his 6 starts in France, the latest a handicap at Auteuil (17.9f) in June. Acquired for €195,000 a month later and he's well worth a second look with prospect of more to come back from 7 months off.

Form: 611-351

Breffniboy³⁸⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Claire Harris| OR: 125

150/1

Much improved when winning 5 times in 2020/21 but not at best in 2 outings for Philip Hobbs last term and returns from a year off for another new stable. Watching brief is advised.

Form: 1242/8P-

Charles Ritz³⁷⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 125| D

10/1

Milan gelding who looked a good staying prospect when scoring on debut in a Southwell novice (20.4f) in December 2021. Similar form when fifth under a penalty at Ascot 12 months ago and having been absent since, the betting may prove useful now handicapping.

Form: 2/15-

Top Target²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 123| BF

3/1

Point winner who confirmed bumper debut promise when landing a Wetherby novice (21.2f) on hurdles debut in December. Good second under a penalty at Wincanton (21.3f) since and he commands respect now tackling handicaps.

Form: 51-212

Oscar Thyne⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 123| D

10/3

Winning hurdler/chaser for Gavin Cromwell and shaped well on yard debut after 17 months off when good third of 18 in handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (21f, good) in November. One to be interested in.

Form: 719/56-3

Kings Keeper³¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: R Patrick| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 122

8/1

Finally off the mark in maiden hurdle at Wexford in June. Well held on chase debut at Limerick next time (final start for Henry de Bromhead) but good start for new yard with pair of placed efforts at Uttoxeter. No reason why he won't go well again.

Form: 3-41723

Yes No Maybe So²²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Cameron Iles⁽¹⁰⁾| T: T Lacey| OR: 122| D

40/1

Won 4 handicap hurdles on the bounce upon joining this yard in 2020. Very lightly raced since and she went backwards from November's Kempton reappearance when eighth of 9 in a Tuanton handicap (19f) 3 weeks ago.

Form: 338/3-38

Midnight Ginger³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: Andrew Martin| OR: 121

11/2

Likeable mare who has continued the good work from last season, again displaying a likeable attitude when adding to her tally at Newbury (16.3f) on New Year's Eve. This looks tougher but she can't be ruled out.

Form: 231-231

Gris Majeur⁷³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 118

50/1

Ludlow novice hurdle winner in May but cut little ice in handicaps since and may need some help from the assessor.

Form: 617-108

Mount Tempest³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 115

12/1

Improved when making third start a winning one at Leicester last month and shaped quite well when fifth under a penalty back there 4 weeks later. Likely has more to offer on this quick switch to handicaps.

Form: 4-615

Jazz King^b1,t1³²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Thomas| OR: 115

13/2

Looked a work-in-progress over hurdles last season and best not judged on final start in a Plumpton novice (20.5f) in March, bad mistake 2 out and no chance after. Yard can ready one after a break and he's still low-mileage. Blinkers fitted.

Form: 2/22443-

Ballyellis^t⁵¹⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: James Turner⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 113

33/1

Five-time winner over hurdles, the latest a Fakenham claimer in March 2021. Absent since finishing a well held sixth in 7-runner Cartmel handicap later that year and whilst yard's runners rarely lack for fitness, others look to hold stronger claims.

Form: 626426-

Non-Runners

Mr Muldoon²³

Weight: 11-12| Age: 10

T: Dr R D P Newland J: Charlie Hammond

Forecasts

Top Target (3/1), Oscar Thyne (10/3), Midnight Ginger (11/2), Jazz King (13/2), Mr Muldoon (7/1), Kings Keeper (8/1), Zertakt (9/1), Charles Ritz (10/1), Mount Tempest (12/1), Ballyellis (33/1), Yes No Maybe So (40/1), Gris Majeur (50/1), Breffniboy (150/1)

An intriguing handicap with the vote in favour of French recruit ZERTAKT. Boasting a progressive profile in France new connections went to €195,000 to acquire him last year and it's feasible to think he can rate higher still now starting out for Venetia Williams. Mr Muldoon, who got firmly back on track at Chepstow, Mount Tempest and Oscar Thyne head up the dangers. Midnight Ginger also demands a second look.