Racecards
19:20 Towcester
Alphameric For FOB'S Open Hunters' Chase
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m 3f 110y
- Going: Good to Soft, Good in places
- Surface: Turf
- Form UFUP12
- Age 10
- Weight 12-2
- Official Rating 84
- Trainer H J Manners
- Jockey Mr Felix De Giles
took keen hold, led 2nd, mistake rider lost iron briefly and headed 10th, mistake 4 out, no impression on leading pair when mistake 3 out
- Form 513-U11
- Age 13
- Weight 12-2
- Official Rating 87
- Trainer E R Clough
- Jockey Mr J E Tudor
with leader, mistake 2nd and rider lost irons, tracked leader after, left in lead 10th, ridden and headed when mistake 2 out, weakened last
- Form 9UP-R1U
- Age 11
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 120
- Trainer D McCain Jnr
- Jockey Mr R Burton
led to 2nd, tracked leaders, left 2nd 10th, led on bit 2 out, driven clear from last
- Form 33F4PU
- Age 12
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 118
- Trainer Mrs H M Bridges
- Jockey Miss Lucy Bridges
raced in last place, hit 1st, not fluent 5th, mistake 8th, behind from 10th, mistake 3 out, went remote 3rd 2 out
- Form 2-S1743
- Age 9
- Weight 12-2
- Official Rating 89
- Trainer B R Summers
- Jockey Mr B Gallagher
Nonrunner
Verdict
Wahiba Sands would beat these easily on his best form and, while clearly some way below that of late, he may still have too much for his main rivals Cornish Gale and Longstone Boy. The selection was rated 161 at his best when with Martin Pipe but and has been without a win in over three years but this looks to be more his level now as the son of Pharly was going well when unseating Lucy Bridges at Exeter last month. The 12-year-old is normally a safe conveyance and is taken to make amends in a weaker race today. Formerly with Paul Nicholls, Cornish Gale has been equipping himself well in point-to-points recently and has to be respected on his return to regulation fences. He rates a bigger threat than the John Manners-trained Hi Rudolf, who is little better than plating class. Similarly, Imago II looks to have plenty to do and of more interest may be Longstone Boy, who won a hunter chase at Leicester last term and has been running well between the flags of late. Wahiba Sand has a touch of class about him though and is taken to resume winning ways.
Formwatch
Hi Rudolf 11-4 2nd of 5, 10l behind The Major at Larkhill 3m ptp gf.
Longstone Boy (IRE) 5-4fav won at Lydstep 3m ptp gd in Mar beating Laurel Seeker by 15l, 6 ran.
Cornish Gale (IRE) 11-10fav unseated rider in race won by Honest Yer Honour at Tabley 3m ptp gd, 8 ran.
Wahiba Sands 8-1 Held up, headway 8th, close 4th when mistake and unseated rider 5 out in race won by Mr Woodland at Exeter 2m 3f hts chs (H) hvy in Mar, 7 ran.
Imago II (FR) 12-1 Held up, headway 5th, ridden after 4 out, weakened next, 3rd of 16, 14l behind Hot Plunge at Hereford 2m hts chs (H) gf in Mar.