Wincanton 4.04

ROBIN - Wincanton 4.04 Handicap Hurdle - Class 4 - 2 miles 5 and 1/2 furlongs - 15 run - Soft

 

It could be badly churned up Going; by the time of the race and that may help a few more than others. A significant number are on seasonal debut, a few with form fresh but most likely to need the run and probably won't want to be "bottomed out".

 

The obvious favourite and at 5/2 a win saver option is the Paul Nicholls trained and Olive Nicholls ridden OSCARS MOONSHINE, on a hat-trick for the jockey with wins off 110 - 117 and now 124 and Olive claims 7 pounds so you could argue its still well handicapped off actual marks of 103 - 110 and now 117. I would not put anyone off a win saver.

 

Bashers Reflection ran up wins off 94-105 and 109 last season but past evidence suggests not best fresh, Lassue has been off for 627 days for Fergal O'Brien but was mighty impressive before a lay off and nothing Fergal does would surprise me in the slightest. A couple of decent progressive Chasers return to hurdles and may need the runs but do run off appealing handicap marks and therefore both Lady KK and Sheldon could outrun Odds but should also be followed race fit back over Fences. Johnny B and Great Ocean are TRACKERS who may need this too.  

 

With 15 declared and hopefully running though there will be some enhanced place offers and outside of the hot favourite I am most keen on the Tizzard horse GYENYAME who hosed up here on penultimate run and who looks to have a good future, I don't think it'll lack for work and a repeat of that run would make it decent e/w value.

 

At bigber odds a couple look well worth a shrapnel bet, PHILLIPA SUE won fresh last year off a mark of 105, runs off 108 here off a break of 187 days and has moved from the Fergal O'Brien and Graeme McPherson partner yard to now be with McPherson and his young Assistant. McPherson is a leading Barrister but a very capable Trainer and if this one is primed like it was last season it can run a big race and the booking of Bryony Frost caught my eye too. BRING THE ACTION makes a seasonal return too, dropped in to what may be an excellent trip to start the season. It runs prominently and often fades late on over 3 miles, on this turning track he may just slip the field and be able to take a blow turning in and have a lot of them out of their comfort zones, if he can get the fractions right, may take some catching!

 

Tips (1) Gyenyame / (2s) Phillipa Sue / (3s) Bring The Action (see notes re Oscars Moonshine)