Racecards
16:45 Stratford
John And Nigel Thorne Memorial Cup (A Hunters' Chase) (Class H)
- 7 Runners
- Distance: 3m
- Going: None specified
- Form 124520
- Age 11
- Weight 12-8
- Trainer N Oliver
- Jockey Mr N H Oliver
held up in rear, steady headway from 10th, ridden 3 out, one pace from next
Ourman (IRE)
25- Form 12C-F13
- Age 7
- Weight 12-8
- Trainer Mrs A Bell
- Jockey Mr N M Bell
chased winner until blundered and unseated rider 7th
Sursum Corda
24- Form 31-3534
- Age 12
- Weight 12-5
- Trainer John Wall
- Jockey Capt C Ward Thomas
in touch, went 2nd 14th, ridden after 3 out, soon one pace
- Form 2234-32
- Age 12
- Weight 12-0
- Trainer Mrs S Richardson
- Jockey Mr James Richardson
made all, clear approaching 2 out, comfortably
- Form 3P06-0P
- Age 12
- Weight 12-0
- Trainer N Parker
- Jockey Mr N Parker
in rear, slow jump 4th, behind when blundered 12th, tailed off
- Form 323P52
- Age 9
- Weight 12-0
- Trainer Andrew Martin
- Jockey Mr Andrew Martin
in touch, left 2nd 7th, ridden approaching 14th, weakened and eased after 3 out, virtually pulled up, continued, tailed off
- Form 060624
- Age 11
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer Mike Lurcock
- Jockey Mr M Lurcock
prominent until lost place 9th, weakened and soon tailed off from 12th
In depth
Verdict
Not the strongest Hunter Chase to be run here, and with the enigmatic Sursum Corda yet to convince over this trip, it may not take a great deal of winning. A chance is taken with Bit O'Speed, who isn't well named. Lightly raced under rules in recent years, this ex-Irish chaser was runner-up in this event back in 2000 on similar ground and although he is getting no younger, this isn't a strong race. The one to take advantage if the selection fails to deliver could be Ourman, who will certainly find this easier than when chasing the likes of Son Of Anshan around Sedgefield. Formerly a useful chaser, Gatorade is still capable of fair form and will be all the better for his recent spin around Ludlow.