16:10 Carlisle
Sunday 26 March 2023
All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:18
Bells Fishmongers Handicap Hurdle
- 4YO plus  |  Class 4  |  3m 1f  |  Heavy (Soft in Places)  |  8 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:12Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 6m 46.20s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Improved model switched to handicaps over staying trips, off the mark at Wetherby (3m) in January prior to shaping well in defeat when second at Hexham (23.3f, heavy) 10 days ago. Assessor applies a little more pressure but he remains unexposed and well worth considering.
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Failed to make an impact in handicaps initially but bettered recent efforts from reduced mark when third at Ayr (24.3f) 6 weeks ago, losing second final 100 yds. That form has substance but likelihood is he will need to pull out more to get off the mark here.
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Improved in cheepieces last spring, landing a C&D handicap prior to following up at Ayr (24.3f, soft). Disappointed at Perth in May however and offered little back from 10 months off at Hexham (23.3f) 10 days ago, pulled before 2 out. Tongue tie back on.
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Showed ability in maiden/novice company and seemed to find extended 2½m a barely adequate test on third handicap start when fourth at Market Rasen 2 weeks ago. Eased 3 lb subsequently and this step up in trip looks likely to unlock some progress.
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Backed at long odds equipped with first-time cheekpieces and he ran out a clear winner at Kelso (22.7f) on penultimate start in February. Steady gallop seemed to inconvenience him when fourth at Ayr (24.3f) latest and he remains with potential over 3m+.
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Proved stamina for 3m when landing weak 4-runner mares' handicap at Perth in September. Hasn't shaped as bad as form figures suggest in trio of starts since turn of the year and whilst her mark has eased this rates a stronger affair.
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Showed a bit more spark when third in a Kelso novice back from a lengthy absence in December but not built on that in handicaps subsequently, merely passing beaten horses when seventh in mares' handicap at Ayr (24.3f) 4 weeks ago.
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Ran a typical race (off bridle long way out) when well held eighth in 12-runner handicap here (17f) 7 days ago and no easy task on from out of the weights once more. Back up significantly in trip.
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Forecasts
Piaff Bubbles (2/1), Nights In Venice (4/1), Sadler's Bay (4/1), Shantou Moon (9/2), Topkapi Star (9/1), Don Brocco (12/1), Gypsey's Secret (25/1), Pistol (40/1)
The pick of SADLER'S BAY's form in maiden company reads well, and having shaped as though this sort of test would suit when fourth in an extended 2½m handicap at Market Rasen 2 weeks ago, he could just be worth chancing to take a step forward re-united with Brian Hughes. Piaff Bubbles is going the right way and rates a lead threat, along with Shantou Moon who can do better himself at this sort of trip.
- Sadler's Bay4/1
- Shantou Moon9/2
Prize Money
1st: £4,753.002nd: £2,187.003rd: £1,094.004th: £547.005th: £272.00
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