13:58 Hereford

Thursday 4 January 2024

All12:5813:2813:5814:2814:5815:2815:58

Download The PlanetSportBet App Mares' Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div 1)

Off time: 13:58 | Winning time: 5m 39.72s

Bare Assets^t1⁶³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

12/1

£82,000 buy after winning a point in April 2022. It's a taken a while for new connections to get her to the track but she's still an interesting runner, particularly if the betting vibes are strong. Tongue tied first time.

Form: 1/

Hazels Delight³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

50/1

Won sole point but disappointing in a bumper (for Francesca Poste) and maiden hurdle under Rules. Still early days but tough to make a case for here.

Form: 1-9P

Lexie's Moon³⁰⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: L Horsfall

33/1

Failed to complete both starts in Irish points, but was leading when falling 3 out on the second occasion. The betting should help guide to expectations now hurdling.

Form: PF-

Lightening Mahler^t1²⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

11/8

Cost £72,000 after easily winning sole start in Irish points last April. Tongue tie added for hurdle debut. Of obvious interest for leading stable.

Form: 1-

Luna Run²⁵⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams

33/1

9/1, ran to only a poor level when fourth in Exeter novice hurdle on debut in April but this longer trip should suit on return to action.

Form: 4-

Melusine De Pail³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: J J Burke| T: Noel Williams| OR: 109

7/4

Point winner who has shaped encouragingly when placed over hurdles at Ludlow (21f) and Lingfield (19.5f) for new connections. The clear pick of those with previous hurdle experience.

Form: 45F1-32

Miss Ghillie⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex

150/1

Failed to complete both starts in points in the spring and looked one for the longer term when well held in course maiden hurdle on Rules debut 6 weeks ago.

Form: F-B0

Oneandahalfdegrees⁵⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle

11/2

Modest form in 2 bumpers 7 months apart but this longer trip should suit now hurdling.

Form: 5-6

Overabottleofred⁵⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: David Noonan| T: T R Gretton

50/1

In the mix when unseating late in a point and showed some ability, albeit shaping very much like a stayer, when fifth of 13 in novice at Warwick (19f, heavy, 150/1) on hurdle debut 33 days ago. Probably one for further down the line.

Form: U-5

Sparks May Fly

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: R Walford

80/1

Youmzain mare. Half-sister to smart hurdler/chaser Off You Go, stays 3m. The betting should help guide to expectations.

Form:

Twyford's Diamond³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling

20/1

Better effort in bumpers (trained by Alastair Ralph on debut) when fifth of 16 Ludlow 38 days ago, albeit the form is only modest. Steps up in trip for hurdle debut.

Form: 0-5

Valentia⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Hogan⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien

50/1

£17,000 purchase after placing on the second of 2 starts in Irish points in 2022. Joined a good stable but well held in a Warwick bumper 6 weeks ago. Wastes no time going hurdling over a much longer trip.

Form: P3/9

Forecasts

Lightening Mahler (11/8), Melusine De Pail (7/4), Oneandahalfdegrees (11/2), Bare Assets (12/1), Twyford's Diamond (20/1), Lexie's Moon (33/1), Luna Run (33/1), Valentia (50/1), Overabottleofred (50/1), Hazels Delight (50/1), Sparks May Fly (80/1), Miss Ghillie (150/1)

The suggestion is Dan Skelton point winner LIGHTENING MAHLER, with confidence in her chance increased should the betting vibes be strong. Melusine de Pail has been placed twice in similar races and might be the one to profit should the selection fail to deliver. Bare Assets is another point recruit who could have a say.