Racecards
15:30 Plumpton
Guinness Handicap Chase (Class E)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m 1f
- Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
- Form 2U22UP-
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey M A Fitzgerald
tracked leader, led 3rd, joined 3 out, mistake and headed 2 out, weakened before last
- Form 4-46662
- Age 9
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer G & J Moore
- Jockey J E Moore
tracked leaders, joined leader 3 out, every chance next, one pace approaching last
- Form 2232-26
- Age 11
- Weight 11-1
- Trainer John R Upson
- Jockey P Flynn
held up last but in touch, challenged from 3 out, led and mistake 2 out, soon hung left, idle run in, all out
Renaloo (IRE)
224- Form 1F331P-
- Age 8
- Weight 10-8
reluctant to line up, led, blundered 2nd, headed next, outpaced 3 out, pulled up before next
In depth
Verdict
A tight race to call but Harik is a useful tool on his day and is fancied to get the better of Renaloo and Deoch An Doras - although Reach The Clouds would not have to find too much to figure. The Garry Moore-trained selection will undoubtedly be a familiar figure over both codes of racing this winter and his supporters could do worse than to side with him in stayers races on the all weather in the coming months. However, it is his fitness from the Flat that could prove to be decisive today and he edges the narrowest of votes over his rivals this afternoon. Renaloo is also a tough customer to deal with and, like Deoch An Doras, would not be found wanting if this were to be judged on attitudes alone. But it is fitness that counts most at this time of the season and, with that in mind, Harik appears to hold the edge today.