Racecards
19:10 Hexham
Get Smart Ii Novices' Hurdle (Class E)
- 7 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Good to Firm
- Form 22-4322
- Age 9
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Ferdy Murphy
- Jockey D N Russell
made all, clear between last 2, easily
- Form 530350
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer W Young
- Jockey Mr T Davidson
tracked winner to 7th, ridden 3 out, regained second approaching last, no chance with winner
- Form F640-F6
- Age 4
- Weight 10-8
- Trainer B Mactaggart
- Jockey A Dempsey
tracked leaders, chased winner 7th until approaching last, weakened flat
- Form 0P
- Age 6
- Weight 10-7
mid-division, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
- Form 0-00
- Age 7
- Weight 10-7
towards rear, never dangerous
- Form 0/
- Age 6
- Weight 10-7
behind when jumped right and unseated rider 1st
In depth
Verdict
Ichi Beau looks the proverbial penalty kick against a plethora of moderate opposition. Ferdy Murphy's charge was rated 140+ over chase fences and even though his handicap mark over hurdles is way below that, it is far in excess of anything else in this contest. Albundy is at least open to some improvement at the age of four but he was beaten a long way behind useful Northern novice, Laouen and it is hard to see him being good enough here. Son of Snurge is exposed at selling grade and is still a maiden over the sticks despite many many chances. The remainder have more duck eggs than could be found in Delia Smith's kitchen. Having considered the opposition, it looks increasingly difficult to see past Ichi Beau landing first prize tonight.