Racecards
15:30 Hereford
Totepool 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle (Class F )
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 1f
- Going: Heavy
Welsh Dane
15- Form 344000
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 88
- Trainer M Sheppard
- Jockey D R Dennis
led until 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
Bill Brown
69- Form 0006-3
- Age 7
- Weight 11-11
- Official Rating 87
- Trainer R Dickin
- Jockey B Hitchcott
always going well, led 5th, clear approaching last, easily
- Form 0/0-000
- Age 6
- Weight 11-1
- Official Rating 77
- Trainer N J Pomfret
- Jockey S Stronge
chased leaders until 4th, soon behind, tailed off
- Form 00P0-0P
- Age 6
- Weight 10-7
- Official Rating 69
- Trainer Mrs P Ford
- Jockey James Davies
held up, behind from 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 30-0000
- Age 5
- Weight 10-0
- Official Rating 62
- Trainer M C Pipe
- Jockey T J Malone
with leader, reminders approaching 5th, hard ridden after 3 out, every chance 2 out, weakened approaching last
In depth
Verdict
Bill Brown looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to open his account and is taken to do so at the main expense of Welsh Dane and Bounce Again. The selection is no world-beater but ran an encouraging race on his return at Warwick in December when six-and-a-half lengths behind Buffalo Bill. Robin Dickin's gelding can race off the same mark today and a reproduction of his latest effort should suffice. Bounce Back's half-brother Bounce Again receives weight away all round and Martin Pipe's gelding cannot be ruled out entirely but may do better when upped in trip and sent chasing. Neither Ballards Boy nor Hayley's Pearl have given little sign of encouragement this term and a bigger threat may come from Welsh Dane. The five-year-old has shown signs of ability and has to be respected but he needs to improve to trouble the selection Bill Brown, who has an obvious chance.