Racecards
16:00 Towcester
E.b.f. 'junior' Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (class (Class H)
- 10 Runners
- Distance: 1m 5f 110y
- Going: Good to Soft, Soft in places
- Surface: Turf
- Form 1
- Age 3
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer D McCain Jnr
- Jockey Stephen Craine
held up rear, ridden and outpaced over 4f out, ridden and stayed on well from over 3f out, led approaching final furlong, kept on
- Age 3
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer F Jordan
- Jockey L P Aspell
held up in touch, ridden to chased leading trio over 3f out, no impression
- Age 3
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Dr J R J Naylor
- Jockey A Thornton
held up mid-division, weakened 4f out
- Form 6
- Age 3
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer N & W Twiston-Davies
- Jockey William Carson
led, headed after 4f, ridden and led briefly over 3f out, rallied approaching final furlong, just denied
- Age 3
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer Mrs D A Hamer
- Jockey R Johnson
tracked leaders, ridden 5f out, gradually weakened
- Age 3
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer J W Tudor
- Jockey R Stephens
with leader, led after 4 furlongs, weakening when headed over 3f out
- Age 3
- Weight 10-5
held up rear, soon prominent, ridden and every chance over 3f out, soon weakened
- Age 3
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer C G Cox
- Jockey M Bradburne
held up tracking leaders, led over 3f out, soon ridden, headed approaching 1f out, no extra
- Age 3
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer G A Ham
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
held up rear, driven over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on moderately
In depth
Verdict
A wide-open bumper rounds off the card and, as usual, in these types of events, the market will be all important but the principals look to be Mahogany Blaze, Sword of Damascus and Ginger For Pluck, and the narrow vote is given to Mahogany Blaze. The selection ran a fair race on his debut when sixth behind Sword Of Damascus despite running green. He is sure to have learnt from the experience and, with Sword Of Damascus giving him seven pounds, he is taken to gain revenge on that rival. Sword Of Damascus is sure to have his supporters but not many horses defy a penalty in this sphere and, for that reason, he is opposed. Ginger For Pluck is another worthy of respect as he hails from a predominantly-flat yard, and this well-bred gelding by Revoque should be noted in the market. Of the remainder, Ihuru is another that catches the eye on breeding and could go well at a price, but for the winner we return to Mahogany Blaze, who at least has experience on his side.
Formwatch
Sword of Damascus (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, hard ridden from 4f out, led inside final furlong, all out, won at Exeter 1m 5f nhf (H) gs in Oct beating Brinkmanship (10-5) by 1l, 13 ran.
Cape Guard Benny The Dip colt out of a moderate racemare.
It's A Hottie Bahamian Bounty gelding out of winning hurdler Laser Light Lady.
Lagan Gunsmoke Double Trigger gelding, half-brother to winners on the Flat and over hurdles.
Mahogany Blaze (FR) 9-2 (10-12) Held up towards rear, hampered on bend over 4f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 6th of 13, 11l behind Sword of Damascus (10-7) at Exeter 1m 5f nhf (H) gs in Oct.
Ginger For Pluck Revoque filly out of winning sprinter Naughty Pistol.
Inherent (IRE) In The Wings filly, half-sister to winning bumper Serpentine Rock.
Ihuru Atraf gelding, half-brother to 6f winner East Chestnut.