Racecards
15:30 Folkestone
Hythe Handicap Chase (Class E )
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 3m 1f
- Going: Soft (Chase - Good to Soft, Soft in places)
- Form 3P/F252-
- Age 10
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 106
- Trainer C C Bealby
- Jockey N D Fehily
held up in touch, weakened quickly and well behind from 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
- Form 5300-56
- Age 9
- Weight 11-11
- Official Rating 105
in touch, ridden and lost place from 5th, tailed off 9th, blundered 13th
- Form 32-2403
- Age 8
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 103
- Trainer O Sherwood
- Jockey O Nelmes
behind, mistake 2nd, ridden and stayed on same pace from 4 out, left poor third last
- Form P1606/3
- Age 10
- Weight 11-4
- Official Rating 98
- Trainer M Bradstock
- Jockey M Batchelor
close-up, tracked winner 12th to 14th, weakened next, tailed off
- Form 220-54F
- Age 7
- Weight 11-1
- Official Rating 95
- Trainer R H Alner
- Jockey A Thornton
held up, headway to track leaders 11th, chased winner 14th to after 3 out, third and no chance when left second last
- Form 662221
- Age 10
- Weight 10-12
- Official Rating 92
- Trainer A J Whiting
- Jockey R Young
prominent, mistake and lost place from 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 100-013
- Age 9
- Weight 10-12
- Official Rating 92
took keen hold, prominent until settled in touch 5th, effort 4 out, chased winner after next, 3 lengths second and looked held when blundered and fell last
- Form 6-44136
- Age 7
- Weight 10-11
- Official Rating 91
- Trainer J Akehurst
- Jockey M Foley
held up until headway to track leader 5th to 8th, weakened 12th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 634PFP
- Age 11
- Weight 10-4
- Official Rating 84
- Trainer N R Mitchell
- Jockey T Scudamore
made all, ridden and pressed before 2 out, 3 lengths ahead and looked likely winner when left well clear last
Verdict
A very competitive handicap chase that may fall to Hazeljack, with The Lyme Volunteer and Leith Hill Star the likely dangers. Hazeljack was most impressive when landing his first race in 13 starts. It wasn't the strongest of races but he did ploughed through the mud to beat Schu Shine by an easy 23 lengths. With conditions in his favour again today he looks capable of following up that victory. The Lyme Volunteer has constantly flattered to deceive but on his best form he looks very well treated and it would be no surprise to see him involved in the finish. Leith Hill Star won well over course and distance back in November and wasn't beaten far next time over an inadequate trip. As long as the ground doesn't come up too soft he should be in the shake up. Courage Under Fire is also in with a squeak if fit for his seasonal bow, but on this occasion Hazeljack looks the pick of the weights and gets the vote.