Uttoxeter 1.05
By UK Flat / AW (Northern)
NORTHERN - Uttoxeter 1.05 Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 14 run - Heavy
The Going here is Heavy, the Course has had a huge amount of rain in the past 6-8 weeks so stamina will be important.
Accidental Legend is around 4/1 in the market but has failed to fire since racking up a 3-timer, which started last year over this Course and Distance off a mark of 90 then. It's slipped back to 99 and the legend that is Paddy Brennan rides. It's a classic win saver opportunity, not for me as I fancy 3 others significantly more but it would not surprise to see this one recapture form.
Huguenau for the Skeltons is upped in trip under Rules but has a patchy 3 mile P2P profile and could be anything but a restrictive price puts me off. Begoodtoyourself may not enjoy it being this deep and heavy, and at a price I'd flag up Double Powerful as one to keep an eye on, it has once decent piece of 3 mile P2P from a race that has thrown up a few progressive horses and one who might pick up wins in the future.
The standouts for me with some enhanced places are HI RIKO who has finished second the last twice including over Course and Distance in Heavy ground an increased mark but Brian Hughes rides and therefore can't be dismissed at a decent price. PORTENTOSO had its best run in the heavy Chepstow mud, so no ground concerns for me here, the Yard has had a couple of winners this week and I'll be disappointed if this one isn't very competitive here. For some shrapnel I will have a bet on JACK SPRATT looking for those enhanced places a winner over a furlong shorter off a mark of 99, and signs it needs further for the in form Snowdon and Sheehan combination.
Tips (1) Hi Riko / (2) Portentoso / (3s) Jack Spratt.