Racecards
13:55 Hexham
Hexham Guests' Handicap Hurdle (Class D)
- 14 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Heavy
- Form 3212-42
- Age 6
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer Mrs S Bradburne
- Jockey O Nelmes
held up in touch, headway 3 out, effort next, one pace approaching last
Touch Closer
209- Form 162513-
- Age 7
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer Miss V Scott
- Jockey B P Harding
mid-division, pushed along after 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace from next
- Form 304-645
- Age 7
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer Miss Lucinda V Russell
- Jockey P Buchanan
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
- Form 6-41223
- Age 6
- Weight 11-2
towards rear, headway after 5th, weakened between last 2
Kidithou (FR)
244- Form 114222-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
Eriskay (IRE)
296- Form PU12/0P-
- Age 8
- Weight 10-13
held up in rear, headway after 5th, ridden and weakened 2 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
- Form 01P060
- Age 10
- Weight 10-11
tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place after 5th, no danger after
- Form 4110/P-1
- Age 8
- Weight 10-10
- Trainer L Lungo
- Jockey G Berridge
towards rear, pushed along and some headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden and weakened
- Form 1U0003-
- Age 9
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer J Norton
- Jockey Mr S F Magee
towards rear, headway 3 out, effort after next, went 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
Skenfrith
249- Form 200146-
- Age 5
- Weight 10-3
- Trainer Miss S Forster
- Jockey Mr C Storey
towards rear, headway 5th, ridden and weakened after 2 out
- Form 3U441-4
- Age 5
- Weight 10-2
mid-division, headway 3 out, effort 2 out, no impression
Gospel Song
286- Form 30P126-
- Age 12
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer A Whillans
- Jockey K Renwick
made most, headed 2 out, soon weakened
Harry Hooly
21- Form 10646/3
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Mrs H Graham
- Jockey Miss R Davidson
in touch, headway halfway, led 2 out, soon clear, comfortably
- Form 60-50U6
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Mrs A Naughton
- Jockey D Laverty
close up, weakening when mistake 3 out
In depth
Verdict
This is a competitive handicap hurdle in which Kidithou, No Picnic and Fairy Skin Maker look to be the leading players and the vote is given to Kidithou. The selection ran well on this track when second behind Albany last time, but that was over 3m and the suspicion is that it might have stretched his stamina to the limit. This drop in trip is therefore sure to suit and if he can run up to his best form he should take plenty of beating. No Picnic ran well behind Caeser's Palace at Aintree last time over 3m1/2f, and he is best over an extended trip, so the drop back to 2m4f puts us off him on this occasion. Fairy Skin Maker is a consistent sort who is sure to run his race once again, but the suspicion is that he is in the grip of the handicapper at present and for that reason he is passed over. Of the remainder, Ambry is from a yard that merits plenty of respect and he is worth a look in the market. However, for the winner we return to Kidithou.