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Preview
11 June 2007
7.15 Pontefract – Tony Bethell
Memorial Handicap class 4 (4yo 0-80) 2M 2F Gd-fm
1 – Hello it’s Me – Been of a
flat race course for 666 days, but that was due to the change in
codes to the jumping game in which he improved for the switch to
Donald McCain stable and picked up a couple of prizes including one
over 3M so this long trip back on the flat shouldn’t be a problem as
his previous tries over 2M were against much tougher opponents then
he faces today. Not sure what to expect from the horse as he is very
well handicapped if you take some of his 1.5M form into
consideration and the trainer isn’t one that you would see too often
on the flat so it’s a bit of a stab in the dark as to the flat
ability he still retains. There isn’t much against him as he is fit
from hurdling, handles the conditions and didn’t run to badly in
defeats to the likes of Millvile and Ouininpojha at this track
before going hurdling. Needs to dictate so small fields do suit but
given the way he has folded when not getting the run of the race
last couple of times this could be well regarded as a confidence
booster to the horse before reverting back to hurdles.
My Tissue price – 12/1
2 – Alambic – Always respect
Sir Mark Prescott horses but always find them shorter then they
should be when tackling races at the smaller tracks such as
Pontefract and there are not as many reasons why this horse should
be so short. Just like many of the trainers other runners, Alambic
does very well when turned out quickly and the record of this
horse-skinning fitter for recent outings is a total contrast to when
returning from an absence. Potentially a horse that could improve he
will come on for the run and the season last year he did progress
through out the season making his return albeit in a not so
competitive affair potentially not as well handicapped as many may
make him out to be here. Small fields seem to suit him with 5 wins
in single figure fields and his only defeat came behind the low
graded Squirtle. Seb Sanders is there for the ride, which is a big
positive, and he obviously is a leading player in this field.
My Tissue Price – 7/2
3 – Indonesia – Doesn’t win
as many races as he should and returned this season as good as ever.
The recent run gives him an edge here over the likes of Alambic and
is another who likes small fields based on his only victory. Graham
Gibbons isn’t a bad booking for the horse around here and even
though plenty of the sire’s prodigies have failed around here but
based on the Newcastle performances a stiff track isn’t totally
against the horse and I expect the course to be no negative. Ground
is perfect and the extra trip is ideal for a horse that on breeding
should have plenty of stamina and with a current run and much in
favour he should take all the beating here.
My Tissue price – 11/8
4 – Great As Gold – Looks to
be going the right way again based on the effort at York last time
after landing a win over today’s course and distance when holding on
from Noddies way and has Jamaican Flight a good 15L back. Certain to
confirm that form on better terms due to the top weight Hello its me
and with the chance to confirm form with Rocknest Island he does
rate as a live chance in this race today. The stable has slightly
slowed down to their season start, as you would expect and Tom Eves
is back in the saddle for the usual course ride. The quick
conditions suit and he is a proven stayer getting weight from the
main body of runners in this race and those lower rated has already
proven to have the beating of those so has to be in with a big
chance once again if the handicapper hasn’t quite got to grips with
this horse yet.
My Tissue price – 7/2
5 – Imperial Harry – one of
the least exposed in the field and yet to really make much
impression in handicaps and the rise back to a mark of 70 looks
harsh on what he has achieved to date. Steps up in to unknown
territory and even though running over far to short last season
middle distances as when 2nd at Goodwood look the ideal distance for
this horse. Kevin Darley has a good course record so there is no
problem with the bloke in the saddle. Possible that there is
improvement to come he may need to improve for the extra distance to
win around this mark and with question marks over his ability and
the trip suiting on this stiff track he rates as a outsider.
My Tissue price – 20/1
6 – Jamaican Flight – Out of
the handicap by quite some way and has quite a bit to find on form
with Great as Gold around here even though this is his home track
and he isn’t seen anywhere else these days. We all know he has the
ground and track but this marathon distance is yet to prove suits
after many attempts and his front running style will once again make
sure a true stayer wins the race as he fades with ¼ mile to go. Lets
hope he makes it round sound again.
My Tissue price – 100/1
7 – Rocknest Island – Another
who has a few things to prove but entitled to a good show today, the
Jockey takes the 3lbs off to make him well handicapped and the
jockey is 2/3 on the horse which is eye catching. Has quite a bit of
ground to make up on Great as Gold on Southwell running behind Blue
Hills but has a favourable weight pull from that running. With 10lbs
back in his favour for a considerable distance it must be said.
Fibre sand may have been tough going on him as his favourable
surface does seem to be a quick surface and the deep track at
Southwell never really allowed him to skip his field as he made the
running that day. Stiff track and firm conditions he may run a big
race in receipt of weight all round and not totally out of the
equation that the form can be turned around here.
My Tissue price – 12/1
Verdict – Not too
many to concentrate on in this race if truth be told but I wouldn’t
be a backer at the current odds of Alambic,
who I expect to drift. At least it makes the market if you wish to
play against the fav here. Indonesia
holds value at best price 85/40 on Betfair.
Great as Gold can be had in some
areas at 5/1 and holds good recent form to have that a good price in
this field. Hello It's me and
Rocknest Island have many question
marks but there prices are fair enough to give a go to here if you
keep the faith.
Selection –
Indonesia 2pt win @ 2/1 (3.2 Betfair)
Well Chief
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