Racecards
15:35 Newton Abbot
Schweppes 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Class E)
- 7 Runners
- Distance: 2m 3f
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Form 3221P4
- Age 10
- Weight 11-5
pulled hard and led, jumped right 4th, headed 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
- Form 54-4122
- Age 7
- Weight 11-5
prominent, led 5th, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, rallied and led approaching last, ran on flat
- Form F2311-1
- Age 7
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer P Hobbs & J White
- Jockey R Johnson
held up in mid-division, headway 6th, ridden and challenged after 3 out, led and mistake 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
Foxmeade Dancer
286- Form 0PP6F-
- Age 5
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer P Ritchens
- Jockey A Thornton
pulled hard and held at last, lost touch 5th, soon tailed off
- Form 0/01-2
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Noel T Chance
- Jockey T Doyle
keen early and held up in touch, going well when pulled up quickly and dismounted after 3 out
Keimar
42- Form 00
- Age 4
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer D G Bridgwater
- Jockey Xavier Aizpuru
held up towards rear, ridden 5th and lost touch, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
Floranz
76- Form 0F/P3P
- Age 7
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer Mrs M Evans
- Jockey J Mogford
chased leader, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
In depth
Verdict
Toi Express can continue his winning ways, with Early Edition and Dun An Doras the main dangers. Philip Hobbs's seven-year-old is chasing a fourth successive victory after two wins here and one at Worcester sandwiched in between. Successful both over fences and hurdles during his purple patch, he may attract a buyer if popping in again as Hobbs has been looking to put him in the shop window. Early Edition made the most of the rain-softened conditions when scoring over the course and distance last time but will do well to match strides with the selection, but Dun An Doras meets Toi Express on four pound better terms for a beating of less than two lengths over the course and distance last time and strictly speaking should turn the tables. However, Toi Express is such a gutsy sort that we cannot ignore his claims.