Northern - Sedgefield 2.30

NORTHERN - Sedgefield 2.30 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 4 - 2 miles 5 furlongs - Going Good

 

A competitive little Handicap and plenty in with chances.

 

The one to beat based on an impressive Course and Distance run last time is FIGHTFORTHEROSES, it gets a 6lbs penalty for a win over a marginally shorter trip here last time and I wouldn't put anyone off a win saver at about 9/2 or indeed an each way saver.

 

There are plenty of dangers though some at nice odds that look to be some value. Hungry Tiger has been runner up the  last 3 times off marks of 87-87 and 91, it may just though prefer softer more rain affected Going and I never like to see a horse being raised for not winning. Be The Difference is very consistent too with form figures of 2-1-1-3-3 but off a mark of 108 again, I just feel the handicapper now has his measure.

 

Onehundredpercent is top weight, Brian Ellison will have his tail up after yesterday, it's all about the trip though as most of the horses best runs have been over 2 miles and I think there will be plenty enough pace on here to make it a true stamina test. Kajaki for Nicky Richards, whose horses I just can't seem to catch right at the moment ran better over 2 miles when blinkered last time, they keep the blinkers and with some decent form at 2 and a half miles try an extended trip here.

 

Arcanja for Rebecca Menzies looks a longer term project and may need further in time, Bintheredonethat form Ireland could be anything in terms of handicap mark and seems to be on its preferred Going and at the right trip and the booking of Sean Bowen catches the eye. I think the market will be most informative and if there is one to have a bit of spare shrapnel on this may be it. Jelski gets his ground but I feel they want to get another run in to him and a few pounds off before Carmel reopens and Dakota Beat may have a small chance based on a few runs at Perth when with Gavin Cromwell including a win at 2 and a half miles and should not be discounted despite the price.

 

My pair though against that lot are STORM LORENZO for the Menzies yard with Hughes booked. It's placed at 2 miles on Good Going so has a bit of speed and didn't quite get 3 miles on recent run so the drop back to this intermediate distance seems logical and wise and it will be very disappointing if not in the first 3 home at least. CASH AGAIN would be notionally the stable second string here for Ben Haslam and has had a couple of runs so far finishing 8th and 3rd, it has a Course win off 98, will strip fully fit here and with it's most recent win mark of 102, does start to look very well handicapped off 97 now fully tuned up. He may prefer it a bit softer but I don't think it'll be rattling good ground here so no excuses there.