Racecards
19:00 Wincanton
Media Holidays Services 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle (Class E)
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 2m 6f
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places
- Form 000026-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey W Jones
mid-division, headway after 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, not quickened
Olitheaga
33- Form 12/P0-
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer C J Mann
- Jockey N D Fehily
led to 2nd, chased leader, led after 6th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened
- Form 423F5P-
- Age 7
- Weight 11-9
- Trainer O Sherwood
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
held up last, headway after 7th, challenged and led before 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
Sundawn Lady
24- Form 00225-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-7
chased leader, led after 2nd, headed 6th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out, tailed off
Mallory
17- Form 4P32/P-1
- Age 9
- Weight 11-7
- Trainer T R George
- Jockey J M Maguire
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden and chased leader 2 out, led approaching last, pushed clear flat, easily
Whatacharlie
24- Form P1/2603-
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer D Keane
- Jockey Dave Crosse
held up in touch, headway and chased leaders 3 out, every chance approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
In depth
Verdict
Canal End has been given top weight here and will do well to repel the challenge of Mallory who makes most appeal, with Sundawn Lady one to watch after a couple of promising efforts earlier in the year. Trainer Tom George has his team in fine form at present, emphasised by Mallory's success at Newcastle. That was his first win since landing a bumper at Huntingdon on his debut back in 1999. After that initial victory, former trainer Mark Wilkinson reckoned that he was good enough to run in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper. He never made it there as it turns out, but has had limited opportunities to show his worth since those days. George is still adopting a patient policy but will turn his thought to fences soon, and in the meantime expects him to add to his haul over hurdles. Canal End has not shown much since coming over from Ireland and it is only a matter of time before Jonjo puts him over the bigger obstacles, while Sundawn Lady is game enough but very one-paced.