IDALKO BIHOUE made winning hurdling debut at Worcester and wasn’t disgraced when third to Cheltenham fancy Hermes Allen in the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury last month. He edges this at the weights ahead of Heezer Geezer. The latter landed a maiden hurdle at Hereford for Dan Skelton’s in-form yard while Well Dick is another maiden winner though has plenty to find on these terms. Phantom Getaway is more exposed and cheekpieces are applied.
Heezer Geezer (FR) 7-4 (11-4) Close up, tracked leaders 4th, ridden 3 out, led last, driven and all out, won at Hereford 2m 4f mdn (4) sft in Dec beating Shomen Uchi (11-4) by hd, 15 ran.
High Stakes (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Raced on inside, tracked leader until jumped slowly 7th, handy 3rd until 4 out, weakened after next, 5th of 8, 34l behind Certainly Red (11-11) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.
Idalko Bihoue (FR) 18-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders on inside, pushed along home turn, plugged on in modest 3rd from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 14 1/4l behind Hermes Allen (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f (1) sft in Dec.
Phantom Getaway (IRE) 6-4fav (11-5) Prominent, joined leader 4 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed approaching next, weakened flat, 3rd of 8, 9 3/4l behind Grove Road (11-5) at Hereford 3m 2f (3) sft in Dec.
Well Dick (IRE) 3-1jfav (11-4) Led narrowly, shaken up before 3 out, ridden and headed narrowly 2 out, remained pressing leader, rallied run-in and led again 110 yards out, very gamely, won at Uttoxeter 2m 7f mdn (4) sft in Dec beating Bold Soldier (11-4) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
Hurricane Le Dun (FR) 125-1 (11-4) Rear mid-division, pushed along 3 out, no impression, 7th of 15, dist behind Saint Davy (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) gs in Dec.
The Big Reveal (IRE) 125-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 15, 20 3/4l behind Saint Davy (11-4) at Chepstow 2m 3f mdn (4) gs in Dec.
