Racecards
15:05 Warwick
Stanjamescasino.co.uk Handicap Chase (Class C) (Class C)
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Good to Soft
- Form 342P-1U
- Age 9
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer K R Burke
- Jockey R Thornton
chased leaders, led 5 out, ridden after 3 out, headed next, weakened last
- Form P46-514
- Age 8
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer R H Alner
- Jockey A Thornton
held up in touch, headway 11th, went 2nd after 3 out, led next, ran on well
Needwood Lion
281- Form 213403-
- Age 10
- Weight 10-13
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey S Thomas
chased leaders until mistake 11th, ridden and weakened 3 out
- Form P4-2U1B
- Age 10
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer N & W Twiston-Davies
- Jockey C Llewellyn
led, mistake 9th and 12th, headed 5 out, stayed on to chase winner last, no impression
Kind Sir
18- Form 1U2P-33
- Age 7
- Weight 10-3
- Trainer A W Carroll
- Jockey Reserve
held up, reminders after 10th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 11th
Idealko (FR)
10- Form U133-22
- Age 7
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Ian Williams
- Jockey Paul Moloney
held up in touch, mistake and pecked 11th, mistake 13th, one pace from 3 out
In depth
Verdict
There is not a lot between these on the best of their form but Spring Grove is a useful tool on his day and he is selected over Arctic Challenge, Prominent Profile and Idealko this afternoon. The presence of Needwood Lion should ensure that this is run at a fair clip which should play to the strengths of Robert Alner's charge as he is best when he can settle on the back of a fair pace. Arctic Challenge has plenty on at the weights so Prominent Profile could be the one to spoil the party for the Alner team. However, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained 10-year-old can take a few liberties at his fences and he, as usual, will keep his supporters guessing right up until he negotiates the final obstacle. In contrast, Spring Grove's jumping problems are very much a thing of the past and it is his ability to be sure-footed at speed that swings the pendulum in his favour here.