Racecards
15:45 Hexham
Metrocentre Handicap Chase (Class E)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Form 1F0P-62
- Age 9
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer M Todhunter
- Jockey G Carenza
jumped right, held up in rear, pushed along 4 out, outpaced when mistake next, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
- Form 242-114
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer P Monteith
- Jockey K Renwick
held up in touch, headway 4 out, led on bit between last 2, pushed clear run-in
- Form 005031
- Age 9
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer J Charlton
- Jockey B Gibson
led, ridden and headed between last 2, no chance with winner
- Form 0143P/0-
- Age 9
- Weight 10-13
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey D N Russell
tracked leader, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, kept on same pace run-in
Mr Laggan
27- Form 324441
- Age 8
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Miss Kate Milligan
- Jockey Mr M J McAlister
tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out, outpaced when hit next, no impression
In depth
Verdict
Not a straightforward race to fathom and you pay your money and take your choice. For us, the wheel could well spin the way of No Kidding. Running through the field. Ghadames won three on the bounce between May 2001 and May 2002 and then ran with credit at the Galway festival. Two runs since June should see him strip fitter but a mark of 110 means the handicapper is not necessarily taking chances with him. He is one four course and distance winners in the race, the odd one out being Gortmore News. The Peter Monteith-trained Jordan's Ridge has won two of his last three races, but is seven pounds higher in the ratings now than for the latest of them. Running from today's mark, he ran very poorly last time but, if you can forgive him that, is not without a chance. No Kidding is six pounds higher now than for his Hexham win eight days ago, and Mr Laggan, racing from four pounds out of the handicap (although his rider claims seven) is nine pounds higher for his. Gortmore News is probably going to need this after a 312-day absence. Overall, then, with his the useful Bruce Gibson taking three pounds off his back, No Kidding is taken to win again.