16:10 Wetherby

Thursday 25 January 2024

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:10

Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:11 | Winning time: 7m 5.8s

Colonel Whizz³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Dylan Johnston⁽⁷⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 98| BF

6/1

Shaped like a stayer when runner-up in bumper at Market Rasen in May and it's been a similar story over hurdles so far. Likely improve upped in distance for handicap debut.

Form: 2623

Clovis Boy^t²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: P W Wadge⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 95

17/2

Built on his handicap debut/reappearance when seeing off 7 rivals over 2½m in the mud at Hexham in November. Seemingly finding trip inadequate before falling at Ayr last time and looks capable of better over this distance.

Form: 347-41F

Moro Rock¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Sara Ender| OR: 95

11/1

Modest form in bumpers and has run to a similar level over hurdles, including on handicap debut over C&D 12 days ago. Needs to up his game.

Form: 368-445

Tune In A Box⁶³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 94| D

5/4

Promise shown in a bumper/over hurdles before a big improvement to land a 10-runner event at Newcastle on handicap debut, forging clear. Hiked up 9 lb but likely remains ahead of his mark and should make another bold bid.

Form: 45-691

Barney Stinson^p²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Craig Nichol| T: A Nicol| OR: 91

12/1

Long-standing maiden who doesn't appear to be about to buck that trend despite a sliding mark.

Form: 4232-55

Fainche^t³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Emma Smith-Chaston⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 86

50/1

Posted one of her better efforts when fourth in a 16-runner Fairyhouse handicap (23.2f, heavy) in November 2022. Returned from long absence with a tame run at Catterick for new stable, though, leaving her with a bit to prove.

Form: 55B64-P

Nearly Wed³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr William Easterby⁽³⁾| T: T D Easterby| OR: 85

20/1

Runner-up twice in Irish points but well held completed start over hurdles. Could up his game now switched to handicaps/up in trip.

Form: 272/9P7

You Say Its Over^p1¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: B S Hughes| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 80

8/1

Still looking for first success but has been runner-up under this rider on her last three outings. Should be on the premises again for all that others may be better treated.

Form: 46P222

My Strong Man^p²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: Joe Williamson⁽⁵⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 78

10/1

Maiden handicap hurdler who returned to form when runner-up at Catterick 24 days ago. Others look better treated but he should give another good account.

Form: 2642-72

Captain Copper^p1⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: G Sheehan| T: R Potter| OR: 76

20/1

Has cut little ice in points and four runs over hurdles. Easy to look elsewhere unless the market speaks in his favour now fitted with cheekpieces.

Form: 46-0905

Forecasts

Tune In A Box (5/4), Colonel Whizz (6/1), You Say Its Over (8/1), Clovis Boy (17/2), My Strong Man (10/1), Moro Rock (11/1), Barney Stinson (12/1), Nearly Wed (20/1), Captain Copper (20/1), Fainche (50/1)

TUNE IN A BOX showed marked improvement and was well on top at the finish when making a successful handicap debut at Newcastle a couple of months ago. He's the sort to go on improving, so he takes preference over Clovis Boy and Colonel Whizz, who both promise to be well suited by the step up in trip.