Hexham 2.20 / 2.50 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 4 furlongs - Good to Soft 

 

2.20-

 

11 declared in this Division which looks substantially weaker than the following race. 

 

RED CADILLAC is in the TRACKER, around 5/2 favourite here and really should be winning this, those who are happy to bet at such odds on a probable winner should take note accordingly.

 

Of the remainder, Cage Rattler may or may not have flattered to deceive, finishing 3rd at 100/1 last time but odds today don't entice me on a very different sort of Track. Les's Legacy is more of a danger off a declining mark, Always A Reason has 3 mile Irish P2P form and steps up to this intermediate trip on Handicap debut so rates a likely improver and at around 33/1, Shadows In The Sky a twice Course winner over Chase Fences at this trip reverts to Hurdles for the first time in a long while. The other added complication is that Chase and Hurdle form here can differ greatly as the 2 Tracks are significantly different, probably more so here tan almost anywhere else in the UK.

 

I think the one with most each way value at around 16-20/1 early is NOBLE AFFAIR who is a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 93, a glimmer of a return to form last time, conditions will suit and off a mark of 81 with a 5lbs claim really should be getting increasingly competitive if ability remains. 

 

2.50-

 

10 declared and certainly a tougher race to fathom on paper. 

 

Coral Blue is in the TRacker and Forest Blaze looks the one to beat but at the prices there are a couple who look very very dangerous. A quick mention too for Bridge Court at 20/1 plus who had excuses last time and one who could progress nicely in the coming months.

 

My top 2 rated and both well worth a small e/w here are MAILLOT BLANC, a drop in trip, better ground and a nice mark all add to a confident each way poke and Starlyte certainly franked the form at the weekend. SANTA CLARITA too is a consistent type who deserves a win and another at best trip, better ground will suit and interesting enough at 16/1 plus to make an investment. (Northern)

 

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Taunton 3.05 Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 3 miles - 10 run - Good

 

The favourite Elusiveness and second favourite Sevenofus both look vulnerable at their respective prices. Melleray Hill, a winning 3 mile P2P horse and is my 3rd best rated and I would not be adverse to a few quid each way on my second rated MA BELLE NOIR who is in the TRACKER but who might just need this run and whose form did tail off last Autumn.

 

My strong each way suggestion here though is MATTIE ROSS, she won a race at Market Rasen last Spring off a mark of 94, runs off 96 with a 3lbs Claim here and I really do think Right Handed over 3 miles on Good ground is definitely optimal conditions for her.   (RJ)

 

 

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