Racecards
14:50 Warwick
Mercedes-benz Direct Handicap Hurdle (Part Of The Rht Winter Series) (Class E)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good to Firm, Firm in places
Three Lions
266- Form F5/PP01-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer R Brookhouse
- Jockey R Hobson
led to 4th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 3 out
Afadan (IRE)
234- Form PP/0200-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer J R Jenkins
- Jockey J Culloty
held up in rear, outpaced after 3 out, never dangerous
- Form 12B0-
- Age 4
- Weight 11-11
- Trainer A W Carroll
- Jockey R Johnson
tracked leaders, led 5th, ridden clear 2 out, eased towards finish
- Form 633402
- Age 4
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer Mrs A Hamilton-Fairley
- Jockey Andrew Tinkler
tracked leader, led 4th to 5th, hit 3 out, soon ridden stayed on flat, no chance with winner
- Form 3-05540
- Age 4
- Weight 10-6
in touch, headway 4th, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, one pace last
In depth
Verdict
Short Change stands out on literal form and gets our vote here ahead of French Mannequin. The selection won on the Flat during the summer and comes here fit from that sphere. On his hurdling debut at Hereford he beat no-lesser horses than Le Duc and Mistanoora. Much as he did not build on that, this is not a strong race and catching him fresh over hurdles might pay dividends. French Mannequin has proven fairly consistent at, admittedly, a modest level this season and, with a number of his opponents lacking a recent run, might just be the one to chase home the selection. Three Lions ended lasts season with a win from a mark of 89 in a Hereford handicap and, fairly lightly raced in recent years, should be competitive here, although the downside is that he lacks a recent run and has to concede weight to the field. Keep an eye on market moves for Afadan but, overall, we'll opt for Short Change.