Racecards
16:05 Wetherby
Halifax Handicap Hurdle
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
- Surface: Turf
- Form 12-70
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 118
- Trainer J Howard Johnson
- Jockey G Lee
chased leaders, went 2nd at 4th, challenged 3 out, led soon after, kept on well
- Form U9548P
- Age 8
- Weight 11-0
- Official Rating 106
- Trainer Miss Kariana Key
- Jockey Jim Crowley
held up in touch, pushed along, weakened after 4 out, pulled up before next
- Form 125415
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Official Rating 104
held up, headway after 4 out, ridden and weakened after next
- Form 448322
- Age 9
- Weight 10-10
- Official Rating 102
- Trainer Mrs Dianne Sayer
- Jockey G Thomas
led and keen, ridden and mistake 3 out, soon headed, weakened approaching last
- Form 7-18P64
- Age 6
- Weight 10-7
- Official Rating 99
- Trainer S Gollings
- Jockey W T Kennedy
held up in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, chased winner last, kept on, no impression
- Form 114/7-90
- Age 7
- Weight 10-3
- Official Rating 95
- Trainer M C Chapman
- Jockey D Swan
chased leader, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
In depth
Verdict
Donovan could be the answer to another trappy affair with Vigoureux and Brave Effect rated as the main dangers. The selection was a little disappointing last time at Catterick behind Ipledgeallegiance, but he had previously won well over this course and distance when convincingly beating Crossbow Creek. The return to this trip will suit and if things drop right for him then he should take plenty of beating. Vigoureux is well-weighted on his best form but he hails from a yard who are woefully out of sorts at present and although he is capable of going well under his optimum conditions he can't be put forward with any confidence. Brave Effect was a good second behind the well-backed Another Deckie last time and is sure to run his race, but he may be vulnerable to a better handicapped rival and a place looks the best he can hope for. Rayshan has the ability to go close but he has own ideas about the game and we will stick with Donovan who should take plenty of beating.
Formwatch
Rayshan (IRE) 20-1 Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened and eased last, 10th of 13, 35l behind Far Pavilions at Musselburgh 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) gf in Feb.
Merryvale Man 12-1 Chased winner to 4 out, ridden next, under pressure when blundered 2 out, weakened quickly and pulled up 2 out in race won by Torkinking at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (C) hvy, 10 ran.
Donovan (NZ) 4-1fav Held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, one pace flat, 5th of 17, 2l behind Ipledgeallegiance at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs in Jan.
Brave Effect (IRE) 11-1 Led, ridden 3f out, headed approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Another Deckie at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (D) gd in Feb.
Vigoureux (FR) 4-1 Held up, ridden and effort approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 31l behind Genghis at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd.
Rainbow River (IRE) 40-1 Held up mid-division, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 13th of 18, 29l behind Northern Minster at Catterick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd.