Racecards
14:25 Huntingdon
May Gurney Novices' Chase (Class E)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 3m
- Going: Good to Firm
Apple Joe
14- Form FP304-5
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Dr P Pritchard
- Jockey T Scudamore
led, jumped slowly first 3, mistake 6th, headed next, soon dropped rear, no chance after
Rufius (IRE)
14- Form 55240-2
- Age 9
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Kelsall
- Jockey C Llewellyn
held up, headway to lead 7th, clear from 9th, comfortably
Smiling Thru
34- Form P/P4P-4P
- Age 10
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Grindey
- Jockey V Slattery
in touch, ridden halfway, behind from 13th, jumped slowly 16th, pulled up soon after next
- Form P45455
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
in touch, ridden halfway, chased winner 2 out, one pace soon after
- Form P-PP6U4
- Age 5
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer R D E Woodhouse
- Jockey Jim Crowley
held up, jumped slowly 4th, reminders 9th, chased winner 10th, mistake 17th, weakened from next
In depth
Verdict
An uncompetitive event that makes little appeal as a betting medium. Rufius remains a maiden but has outstanding claims and, granted a clear round, should take all the beating at this lowly level. The nine-year-old is far superior on BHB ratings and put up his best effort over fences last time out when runner-up behind a useful yardstick in novice company at Worcester last week and is a confident TEAMtalk selection to finally lose his maiden certificate. Apple Joe will be sharper for his recent return and looks the one for the forecast against some decidedly modest performers.