Racecards
15:40 Hereford
Simon (Dodger) McCartney Memorial Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase (Class F)
- 7 Runners
- Distance: 3m 1f 110y
- Going: Soft (Soft in places)
- Form 1P5304
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer P Hobbs & J White
- Jockey Mr J March
always in rear, to from 14th
- Form 5345-60
- Age 9
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer Capt J George
- Jockey Mr D Alers-Hankey
behind, ridden 11th, headway to go poor 3rd 3 out, no chance with winner
- Form U2F14U
- Age 7
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer M Harris
- Jockey Mr B Wharfe
chased winner from 3rd, four lengths 2nd when blundered badly 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
- Form 1PP26-5
- Age 9
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer Ian Williams
- Jockey Mr R Burton
held up, ridden 15th, kept on from 3 out, never dangerous
- Form 34352-U
- Age 7
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey Mr L McGrath
in touch, went 3rd 6th, ridden 9th, weakened 3 out
Apple John
30- Form 2UPU-50
- Age 13
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Dr P Pritchard
- Jockey Mr R Young
made all, jumped well, clear from 10th, left well clear 4 out, easily
- Form 33/003P-
- Age 10
- Weight 10-6
- Trainer M Sheppard
- Jockey Miss A Bevan
chased winner, mistake and lost place 3rd, mistake 14th, soon tailed off, pulled up before last
In depth
Verdict
Churchtown Glen looks the form pick having shown good form at the backend of last season but the suspicion is he may just need this outing like he did when disappointing at Aintree on his reappearance in 2001. However he is still the TEAMtalk selection due to the abject lack of ability of the other runners. Ian Williams' gelding is a bit of a course specialist and will feel at home on this surface as well as having a competent amateur booked. Dual Star is taking a massive step up in trip having raced over 19 furlongs last time out. He was not disgraced on that occasion and stayed the trip well. Welburn Boy ran some decent races last season and has the ability to cope with this soft ground. However he may just need this seasonal reappearance. Misty Ramble may be the one for the forecast having raced consistently on soft ground last season. He was unlucky to unseat his rider 8 days ago at Kelso (when well backed) having travelled soundly throughout and should give a good account of himself.