Racecards
15:30 Fakenham
P.H. Betts (Holdings) Ltd Novices' Chase (Class C )
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 2m 5f 110y
- Going: Good to Firm
- Form 01265P
- Age 10
- Weight 11-2
- Official Rating 85
- Trainer Miss Z C Davison
- Jockey R Lucey-Butler
always in rear, behind from 4 out, pulled up before last
- Form 046-064
- Age 7
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer Miss H C Knight
- Jockey J Culloty
close up, mistake 6th, not jump well after and lost place next, weakened 5 out
- Form 0-U5F22
- Age 8
- Weight 11-2
- Official Rating 114
in touch, joined leader after 3rd, mistake next, led 9th, ridden clear 2 out, ran on flat
- Form 1000-01
- Age 6
- Weight 11-1
- Official Rating 115
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey S Thomas
led, headed 9th, chased leader until weakened 2 out
- Form 1P2P-04
- Age 7
- Weight 10-9
- Official Rating 109
- Trainer A King
- Jockey R Thornton
held up in touch, ridden and mistake 4 out, headway to chase winner 2 out, kept on one pace flat
- Form F15524
- Age 5
- Weight 10-7
- Official Rating 102
held up towards rear, never dangerous
In depth
Verdict
The Venetia Williams-trained Researcher created a favourable impression when making a winning start to his chasing career at Towcester earlier this month and holds solid claims despite her penalty but preference is for Widemouth Bay, who gets the vote over Wrags To Riches. The selection was easily the best of these over hurdles and should have learned a lot from his first start over the larger obstacles behind the useful Kadount at Plumpton. Jim Culloty takes the ride for the first time on Henrietta Knight's gelding and the hint is taken. Wrags To Riches has found one too good in both starts since falling when clear two out at Newton Abbot in November and is entitled to be thereabouts again, while Alan King's Shaadiva may be better suited by this company having been well held by the experienced handicapper Banker Count on her first start over fences at Leicester recently. Down The Stretch has shown signs of ability and gets all of the allowances going but Widemouth Bay is expected to make his class tell and gets the vote.