Racecards
15:10 Stratford
George Pragnell Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 70y
- Going: Good (Good to Soft in places)
- Surface: Turf
- £8,500 added
- Winner: £5,523
- 2nd: £1,622
- 3rd: £811
- 4th: £405
- Form 136/05-4
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 138
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey David Bass
raced keenly, clear after 4th until 3 out, joined 2 out, soon ridden and headed, chased leader until ridden hung left and no extra before the last
- Form 133-141
- Age 6
- Weight 11-3
- Official Rating 129
- Trainer W Greatrex
- Jockey G Sheehan
chased leader until before 5th, chased leaders weakened approaching 3 out
- Form 0600/21-
- Age 9
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 125
- Trainer P Hobbs & J White
- Jockey James Best
always last, pushed along and struggling before 3 out, tailed off
- Form 294532-
- Age 8
- Weight 10-11
- Official Rating 123
- Trainer Henry Oliver
- Jockey James Davies
chased leaders, 2nd before 5th led after 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, one pace when hit last, no chance with winner
- Form 212
- Age 5
- Weight 10-8
- Official Rating 120
- Trainer J P Ferguson
- Jockey Aidan Coleman
tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd 5th, led going well before last, shaken up and clear when not fluent last, eased towards finish
In depth
Verdict
Lilac Tree steps out of novice company for the first time but this is no easy task as a couple of his rivals have decent form at a higher level. Desert Recluse and ROYAL IRISH HUSSAR were fourth and fifth respectively behind Lightentertainment at Cheltenham back in January but Nicky Henderson's charge comes out best at the weights today. He's had his problems lately but may still have the class to give weight to the improving Good of Luck, a winner over course and distance last month. Alf Wright has a lengthy absence to overcome and has his first start for a new yard.
Formwatch
Royal Irish Hussar (IRE) 33-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden 6f out, soon lost place, last of 19, dist behind Clondaw Warrior (9-0) at Ascot 2m 4f hcp stks (2) gf in Jun.
Good of Luck 10-1 (11-6) Prominent, not clear run on inside after 2 out, challenged last, soon led, ran on, won at Stratford 2m hcp (3) gd in Jul beating Jalingo (11-8) by 1 3/4l, 10 ran.
Alf Wright (IRE) 4-1fav (11-5) Held up, 8th approaching 4 out, improved after 3 out, led before straight, went clear from before last, stayed on well, easily, won at Kilbeggan 2m hcp gd in May beating Luimneach Abu (11-4) by 9 1/2l, 12 ran.
Desert Recluse (IRE) 9-4fav (11-11) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd until before 3 out, 2nd again 2 out, dropped to 3rd on long run before last, chased winner before the last, rider dropped rein run-in, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Guard Of Honour (10-12) at Stratford 2m hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Lilac Tree 15-8fav (11-5) In touch, headway 5 out, chased leaders 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Curious Carlos (11-5) at Bangor 2m 4f (4) gs in Aug.