Hexham 3.48 - Handicap Chase - Class 5 - 3 miles - Good to Soft - 14 run

 

A very competitive race in which Halfway House Lad who is on a hat-trick and Torosay, winner of this race last year will be tough to crack. If I had to choe between them it would be Torosay, but I think there is better value elsewhere in the race.

 

Kicksaftersix is upped in trip and Gibberwell is upped 9lbs to a level it's failed to win off before, after a narrow win last time. Raceview Road is out of form but the mark is coming into the sort of range it may spark into life off very soon,so he is a danger and one to keep an eye on. 

 

I was left with a couple with good Course form and three at bigger prices to really consider.

 

Of those at bigger prices, Ballydangan, a Skelton cast off after less than a season has a few bits of Irish form prior to coming to the UK that could see him pick up a race somewhere but not as competitive as this one. Thatsy runs off a low mark for the Quinlans and could run an enhanced place second time out after a wind operation and the best of the three if you want a small e/w punt to enhanced places might be YOU SAY IT'S OVER a runner up a host of times off marks in the high 70's for Micky Hammond and with the excellent Danny mcMemamin up off a mark of 74, I'll be disappointed if he's not in the first 4 home here.

 

My top pair though both have Course and Distance form and look attractively priced and they are DR SHIROCCO a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 87 and runs off a mark of 88 with a 7lbs Claimer and really has no excuses for not running a big race and RETURN FIRE a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 94 and being back below a mark of 100 where he has spent all winter is a big boost and he can do significant damage off a mark of 97 at double figure odds. (North)

 

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Tramore 5.55 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 5 and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Good to Yielding

 

A trio in this ran yesterday and one on Saturday so we'll see how many actually turn up again. It's not impossible to win back to back but the law of averages suggests its not the norm.

 

Our Zebo and James The Brave head the market with an air of vulnerability about them and Rebelle Chaud is one who can win races this summer but perhaps not today.

 

My top 2 rated if 14 turn out and we have decent each way betting would be BLUE IN THE WEST whose best form is here in Soft to Heavy Going but with a smattering of rain about I don't think he'll be inconvenienced by the Going and YORKSHIRE ESCAPE whose Course and Distance form over this roller-coaster ride suggests an each way place is a possibility and he just got the nod over Mother Ship whose best run so far was here and who might just need this off a 177 days break but one to follow here in future Meetings

 

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Tramore 6.55 - Handicap Chase - 2 miles 6 furlongs - 14 run - Good to Yielding

 

Wyoming Baby, whose last run was her best in a while and whose best previous form has been in April, heads the market and she may be worth a small win saver on that basis.

 

Island McCoo and Coco Lightning on Chase debut don't really inspire much confidence whilst Roman Parish is one to TRACK forwards off a 3 month break and one whose Course form is quite decent despite being a Maiden still.

 

My clear top 2 rated here are GOLD HAVEN a runner up over Course and Distance off a mark of 92 and 95, has had a prep run already and returns off a mark of 90, so should be bang in contention. GREENWAY MACHINE is a 13 year old now but around half a stone better here I'd argue than anywhere else, runs well enough fresh to be seriously considered again and on this Track that very much suits Course specialists with a record of 1-2-2 here in the recent past off marks of 73-77-79  - a mark of 79 with a 7lbs claim is compelling enough to tempt me in. (both races MG)

 

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That's all for today, we'll be back tomorrow at around 8am