Racecards
14:30 Newbury
Arkell's 3b Bitter 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Class D)
- 19 Runners
- Distance: 2m 5f
- Going: Good
- Form 2-11311
- Age 7
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer P Hobbs & J White
- Jockey B J Geraghty
tended to jump left, led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed flat, stayed on
- Form 60-10
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey J Culloty
in touch, reminders approaching 6th, weakened quickly next, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey S Stronge
prominent, pushed along and slightly short of room when ran out 4 out
- Form 430-00
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Mrs Merrita Jones
- Jockey C Llewellyn
mistake 7th, always behind tailed off
Bay Caster
2111- Form 1/
- Age 11
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P R Webber
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
held up and keen, some headway approaching 7th, weakened and pulled up before 4 out
- Form 232-22
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
chased leader, mistake 7th, ridden 3 out, weakening and no chance with front 2 when not fluent last
- Form 56
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer B G Powell
- Jockey James Davies
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
- Form 05
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey B Fenton
prominent, pushed along after 7th, weakened 3 out, 4th and beaten when blundered badly last
- Form 12P
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Noel T Chance
- Jockey T Doyle
mid-division, headway 7th, weakened after 4 out
- Form 132
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
in touch, closed on leaders approaching 4 out, challenge 2 out, soon ridden, led flat, stayed on
- Form 004
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Mrs A Barclay
- Jockey Antony Evans
reminders after 2nd, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Jac An Ree (IRE)
417- Form 2/65-
- Age 8
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer A King
- Jockey R Thornton
mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, weakened before next
Le Turk (FR)
13- Form 0P
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer D Keane
- Jockey N D Fehily
reminders after 3rd, always towards rear, tailed off and pulled up before last
- Form 560
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Cundell
- Jockey L P Aspell
in touch, ridden and weakened before 4 out, pulled up lame before 3 out
- Form 433-PP
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey T Siddall
always towards rear, tailed off
- Form 20
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer B G Powell
- Jockey C Studd
always behind, tailed off approaching 5th, pulled up before 2 out
- Form 5306
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey W Marston
mid-division until pulled up before 6th
In depth
Verdict
A double penalty makes life hard for Grey Report but he has been most progressive this season and is expected to see off the challenges presented by Fountain Hill, Villa and Beau Supreme - although Direct Flight is much better than his last outing would suggest and he is one to watch out when considering an each-way play. It is also a little early to be giving up on Red Devil Robert, who has shaped up well in Novice company so far and will be winning races sooner rather than later if he continues to go the right way. However, he may also meet his match with Grey Report, who holds a valuable edge with experience today. The predicted going should not be a problem for the selection and he has already proved that he has an abundance of stamina for this trip. Therefore, in summary, Grey Report is the one to beat - even though his chance will no doubt be reflected by a short starting price. Fountain Hill, winner of strong bumper at Exeter last May, could be the best alternative if he gets the trip.