Hereford
2.00 2m4f Class 5 Handicap Hurdle – Lamh Ar Lamh 11/4
Finally broke her duck on her 25th career start, her 12th start over hurdles, it didn’t exactly come as a shock, in her race before she was a very close 2nd and looked a winner in waiting, she looked to of been hit with a unfair 6lb for her 2nd, but the handicapper got it right as she romped home last week in a conditionals meaning she doesn’t get a penalty for that win, she does race over half a mile less which may not be the best move, but with her looking so well in at present, it should be enough to see her take advantage and win off a low weight in a weak race. Sean Bowen takes back over the reigns which is a big plus, he’s not just having a good season but he loves Hereford with a 25% strike rate and £9 LSP.
Hexham
3.10 2m4f Class 5 Handicap Chase – Graystown 2/1
A decent maiden hurdler that once had a rating of 119, he didn’t start his chasing career too well with making plenty of mistakes, but he improved on his 2nd outing showing plenty of promise which caused a bit of a gamble NTO, but he disappointed and looked a non stayer, connections didn’t lose faith and dropped the gelding down to in trip and was well backed once again and delivered over the 2mf4 trip which looks the key, the form of the race has taken a nice boost with the 2nd winning NTO and the 3rd has won since too. Graystown goes up 5lb for the victory, but still 19lbs under his highest hurdle mark leaves him looking still well treated, plus the in form yard reach out to cheek pieces which also looks like it’ll bring further improvement.
Wolverhampton
7.00 1m1f Class 4 Handicap – Havana Rocket 6/4
Andrew Balding’s 3 year olds are in fine form this season, they have already picked up 10 winners from just 41 runners a cool 24% strike rate, a further 11 more have placed giving him a impressive 50% win and place strike rate, the yard are in great recent form also. This 3 year old colt was a 40k purchase and impressed in his first 3 starts with his form looking strong, he looked likely to win on his 3rd start before fading out of the race, the testing ground possibly not helping his cause, the yard gave the colt a wind operation which possibly was another reason why the colt didn’t see out the race, the operation had the required effect when winning easily on seasonal debut over 7f, he made all and looked like the mile trip would bring further from him, he gets his wish here at Wolverhampton and with Oisin Murphy booked shows further intent and clearly the horse they all have to beat.
Russell Blair Racing
