Wetherby 3.55
By Irish Racing (MG)
Wetherby 3.55 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 3 - 2miles 3 and 1/2 furlongs - Good to Soft (rain) - 19 declared
A competitive and tricky handicap and a raft of possibly progressive, well regarded horses on seasonal debut dominate the market. Having looked closely at all, none have credentials that suggest a trek through probably heavy deteriorating ground is going to be ideal, so I want to look at more exposed but race fit options given probable conditions.
Group Stage for Alan King looks one for the future on better ground. Ballyhill would be thrown in here on form up to 2018, recently disappointing and the yard not firing on the usual full cylinders, a win would be no surprise but on balance I think there are better options albeit the horse on form would be a huge danger.
A pair at big odds who I think will outrun those Odds are Enfin Phil and Always Resolute, both of whom have had runs and both of whom have Course form. Not quite in the final deliberations but neither would be complete surprises if nicking a place here, so if any non runners amongst the following Enfin Phil would be worth a small investment.
One on seasonal debut but who has an excellent record frsh is SAKHEES CITY, the Yards horses are generally improving for and needing a run but I'm sure that if the horse had needed one they would have run it by now. I think they know it's best fresh, will be tuned up for this and last 4 Course runs have been 2-1-2-3.
The pair who are race fit who are most interest at each way odds are CALUM GILHOOLEY who has won on soft before hurdling and who will be sharper than anything in the race in terms of fitness and HENRIETTA BELL who has plenty of proven stamina and another for whom soft Going should hold no terrors.
TIP - SAKHEES CITY - Trackers - Calum Gilhooley + Hentietta Bell.