Racecards
14:20 Hexham
Backandlayatggbet.Com Selling Handicap Hurdle (Class G)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Form 005356-
- Age 4
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer J S Goldie
- Jockey R McGrath
mistake 6th, headway 3 out, not fluent when led last, driven out
- Form 41/00P-2
- Age 8
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer A Whillans
- Jockey I Jardine
tracked leader, ridden and effort 2 out, beaten when mistake last
- Form PFP0-PU
- Age 8
- Weight 10-9
led, headed after 2nd, outpaced approaching 3 out
- Form P036
- Age 5
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer Miss S Forster
- Jockey Mr C Storey
race keen, led after 2nd, mistake 2 out, headed last, every chance until no extra close home
In depth
Verdict
Although four line up, this is in reality a match between Sting Like A Bee and Nautical Star, with the latter's fitness expected to prove decisive. Nautical Star was quite a decent horse on the Flat for John Hills a few years ago, but has gained just the sole victory at Perth since going jumping. That was in selling company, and since then he has not been seen a great deal, his recent second at Sedgefield being his first outing since the previous December. He should be fitter for that and can take care of Sting Like A Bee who has the assistance of the in-form Graham Lee but is without a recent outing and who has to give weight to his main rival. Nautical Star should prove to be the answer here.