By Ryan Skidmore
I think it is fair to say this horse has not lived up to expectations, he looked a graded horse in the making after his Kempton victory last Christmas, but it has not quite worked out like that. Nicky Henderson’s horse was a very well backed favourite for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury where he only managed 7th place and he went on to run at both festivals without making a real impact. The handicapper has relented slightly, and he put in a promising run in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow when 3rd. That was off the back of a wind operation and if he now feels more confident with his breathing then I expect a big run, I also feel like that the drop back to 2 miles should suit this horse today too.
4 Broomfield Burg
Age: 6 Weight: 11-6 Jockey: James Bowen Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Form: 706-33
Phillip Hobbs’ horse is the one to beat if on his ‘A’ game, especially on these terms today where he has quite a few pounds in hand on his rivals. Despite winning a Grade 1 as a novice over fences, he was very inconsistent and the move back to hurdles has looked a shrewd move, winning 2 from 3 last season and I expect him to make it 3 from 4 today.
2 Sporting John
Age: 7 Weight: 11-6 Jockey: Tom O'Brien Trainer: Philip Hobbs
Form: P/141-
Anyone that backed Tea Clipper last time will have felt sick when he was just chinned late by veteran Peregrine Run. I think he can make amends today off the back of that run and make his presence felt despite a 3lb rise.
Tom Lacey’s horse has fitness on his side over a lot of his rivals today and I think Ascot with some cut in the ground will suit him well and I’m sure this consistent horse has a big handicap in him.
3 Tea Clipper
Age: 7 Weight: 11-11 Jockey: Stan Sheppard Trainer: Tom Lacey
Form: 2444-2
It is quite well known that this horse is one who is a lot better on soft ground and this is the first time this season he gets a chance to show his ability in ideal conditions. He has progressed again this season, running well in some big handicaps and his mark of 95 is not one beyond him in my opinion. Another positive is the fact he won this race last year, surely the plan for a while has been to return and the odds today look a tempting each way bet.
1 Rebel Territory
Age: 4 Weight: 10-0 Jockey: Jim Crowley Trainer: Amanda Perrett
Form: 1-1646
It is safe to say William Buick didn’t ride his best race of the season on this horse last time out, finishing on the far side rail despite being drawn highest of them all. David Menuisier’s horse is very talented and with some soft ground he seems to revel, I think he can make the step up to listed company and David Egan can give him a change of fortune.
3 Migration
Age: 6 Weight: 9-6 Jockey: David Egan Trainer: David Menuisier
Form: 117-28
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