Racecards
15:10 Cheltenham
Telectronics Systems 'National Hunt' Auction Novices' Hurdle (Class B) (Class B)
- 8 Runners
- Distance: 2m 5f 110y
- Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
- Form 211F31
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer P Hobbs & J White
- Jockey R Johnson
held up, headway approaching 6th, led going well after 2 out, soon clear, easily
- Form 1123P4
- Age 7
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey J Culloty
held up in touch, raced keen, headway approaching 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, not quicken approaching last
Meltonian
16- Form 4R4
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer K Bailey & M Nicholls
- Jockey R Thornton
held up, mistake 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 311165
- Age 6
- Weight 10-13
- Trainer Mrs M Reveley
- Jockey A Thornton
tracked leaders, mistake 3 out, ridden and hit next, soon weakened and eased, behind when pulled up before last
Sea Drifting
39- Form 0-114P3
- Age 5
- Weight 10-13
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey J P McNamara
with leader to 2nd, stayed prominent, led 8th, ridden and headed after 2 out, no chance with winner
- Form 504
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Miss G Browne
- Jockey M Foley
held up towards rear, ridden approaching 8th, never nearer
- Form P-3422
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened next
- Form 13U310
- Age 7
- Weight 10-11
led, pecked 7th, ridden and headed approaching next, weakened quickly
In depth
Verdict
In Contrast will be a popular choice to take this novices' hurdle following his recent fine third in the Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Festival meeting and subsequent success in the Martell Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. If over those races Philip Hobbs' six-year-old will be tough to beat. The dangers include Len Lungo's Full Irish, four times a winner this term, Mary Reveley's Man Murphy, a respectable fifth under a big weight in a good handicap at Sandown last time that is working out well and Sea Drifting from the in-form Ferdy Murphy stable.