My picks for Hereford Thursday.

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13:50 HerefordThu 6 Apr 3m1f Hcap Chs

The field for this race appears to be quite competitive with several horses boasting strong credentials. Duc De Beauchene won off a higher mark at Newbury last year but has struggled this season, though his recent runs have shown signs of improvement, and his blinkers may have made a difference. He could be ready to strike again soon. Gold Clermont has perked up considerably, winning twice at Plumpton last month in convincing fashion, though the eight-pound rise in the weights could be a concern. Marettimo has won three times but struggled in two runs last autumn and is returning from wind surgery, so it is uncertain how he will perform. Pottlerath has a good record at this track but was well beaten on his chasing debut in February. However, his return to this course and a longer trip could see him do better. Prince Des Fichaux has been placed in five of seven hurdle starts but still hasn’t won, though he ran well when second in a Fontwell handicap last month. He may appreciate the switch to fences. Finally, Robyndzone has won twice before but was absent for a long time before finishing fifth on his first run for a new stable. He was subsequently pulled up at Plumpton and is facing some doubts.

Overall, Gold Clermont appears to be the one to beat, given his recent form, though his weight increase could be a concern. Duc De Beauchene and Pottlerath also have the potential to win, based on their past performances and recent form. Prince Des Fichaux could be an interesting contender if he takes to the fences, and Marettimo’s chances may depend on how well he has recovered from his wind surgery. Robyndzone may need to show more before being considered a serious contender.

14:25 HerefordThu 6 Apr 2m3f Mdn Hrd

Another Day Out (IRE) is a recent Irish point winner who ran well on last month’s British/hurdle debut at Southwell. The step up in trip should suit, and she should be a major player if building on that effort. Everyonesgame (IRE) is a bumper winner who has shown plenty of ability over hurdles, particularly when finishing fifth at Newbury, with four horses ahead of him all winning since. A breathing operation since should help, and he sets the standard on the Newbury form. Max’s Champ (FR) was a point-to-point winner and has shown some decent form over hurdles. However, he struggled in a new trip at Chepstow last time and has first-time blinkers and tongue strap fitted. Hurricane Le Dun (FR) offered little in bumpers but showed some progress over hurdles, finishing fourth in a small-field maiden last time out. Another Day Out and Everyonesgame are the top picks, with Max’s Champ a possible contender if he responds to the new equipment.

15:00 HerefordThu 6 Apr 2m Hcap Chs

Ardmayle (IRE) won at Southwell in February but was disappointing when only sixth in a handicap chase there last time out. He is on a decent mark but his recent form makes it hard to predict how he will perform. Blazer’s Mill (IRE) has been ultimately disappointing since joining his current stable, and blinkers are being tried to try and improve his form. Chestnut Pete has yet to win in four bumper starts and nine hurdles starts, and he goes chasing with a lot to prove after underwhelming performances since returning from a break. Gala Des Lys was pulled up in a handicap chase at Ffos Las and is hard to warm to. Lonimoss Bareliere has been in good form, but his 0-23 record means he is hard to back with confidence, especially given the soft ground conditions. Torrent Des Mottes has all his wins at Huntingdon and has been running poorly in recent starts.

Yellow Jacket is the standout horse in this field. Although he is a maiden, he put in a good performance on his chase debut at Ffos Las, finishing second of seven. He is only 1lb higher for this race, which puts him ahead of the rest of the field. Ardmayle has the potential to bounce back after his last performance, and Lonimoss Bareliere cannot be ruled out if he can shake off his maiden status and return to his good form. The rest of the field does not have much going for them, and Chestnut Pete in particular has a lot to prove.

15:35 HerefordThu 6 Apr 2m3f Hcap Hrd

I Giorni looks to be the horse to beat after her win over hurdles on handicap debut at this course 13 days ago, and her longer trip in this race could be a plus. Lady Pacifico may have a chance if she can build on her recent third place at Warwick, while Treyarnon Bay is worth considering on handicap debut, especially if attracting support. Sindabella has had some decent efforts over hurdles but has been struggling for form of late, and it’s best to look elsewhere for a potential winner. Bella Ciao has not shown much to date and has plenty to prove, while Chantilly Haze is a poor maiden who may not be able to back up her recent second place. Happy Returns and Saddlers Quest are both poor maidens and are unlikely to contend for the win. Nell’s Bells is a non-runner.

16:10 HerefordThu 6 Apr 2m5f Hcap Chs

Abaya Du Mathan has a poor record in Britain, with only one win in 27 starts. He finished a well-beaten third at Huntingdon nine days ago and is due to go down 4lb in future. Grizzly James is a hurdler winner in France but has been largely disappointing in Britain. He was pulled up at Ludlow last month when upped to 3m and makes limited appeal.

Family Pot won both outings at this venue in February but folded tamely in his hat-trick bid over C&D just under a fortnight ago. Layerthorpe has a hat-trick in staying handicap hurdles in 2019 and ran well on chase debut/return at Taunton in December. Higgs has been running creditably in recent starts, including a second at Ffos Las (2m5f) and a fair fourth over 2m at Bangor latest, and he has better claims than many as he bids to add to two hurdle wins gained in 2018.

Leskinfere is back on his proper mark after a remarkable performance when third at Market Rasen last week, from 33lb out of the handicap. He has much more realistic claims here. Just Go For It has been making hay since returning to hurdles, winning twice at Wincanton last month, but she needs to prove herself as a chaser. From This Moment is making his British/chasing debut and needs a market check. Loud As Lions has been out of form for some time now, and it is tough to recommend him.

Layerthorpe, Leskinfere, and Higgs are the top three horses that have the potential to win, with Family Pot having some chance if he bounces back quickly. Abaya Du Mathan and Grizzly James are unlikely to win.

16:45 HerefordThu 6 Apr 2m Nov Hcap Hrd

Accidental Legend (IRE) Completed a hat-trick of wins in February but was disappointing on his last outing at Ffos Las. The drop in trip and removal of the tongue-strap worn in his last race may help, and soft ground suits him, so he could easily bounce back to form.

Beannaigh Do (IRE) Has not shown much in his seven career starts and finished last in his last race at this course. The drop in trip may help but he has a lot to prove.

Executive Pool Has shown promise in juvenile hurdles last autumn but has suffered heavy defeats in both handicap attempts. It is uncertain what to expect from him now, but he may yet atone.

Hi Riko (FR) Has not shown much promise in his last two starts and is making his handicap debut here.

Mister Barclay Showed some improvement in his last start at Ffos Las and may do better now that he is sent handicapping.

Play By The Rules (IRE) Produced an impressive performance last time out when he won by a wide margin. The return of cheekpieces helped and although he is now 8lb higher, he looks the one to beat.

The Longest Day (IRE) Was not disgraced in his last handicap but that was over a longer distance and he has been absent since. He is also 3lb out of the weights, so he may struggle.

Tokyo Live (FR) Has shown some promise in his previous runs, and although he has been absent for over a year, he is worth a second look in the market.

Uncle Arthur Has shown some promise in his last two starts but failed to build on that in his last race. He has a bit to prove now.

Overall, Play By The Rules looks to be the one to beat after his impressive last start, while Accidental Legend could easily bounce back to form. Mister Barclay is also worth considering, while Tokyo Live could be a dark horse if he is fit and well after the long absence.

17:15 HerefordThu 6 Apr 2m NHF

Largy Valley (IRE) looks like a promising runner having won an Ayr bumper in November and is open to improvement for the new yard. Lump Sum (FR) was an impressive debut winner at Bangor in October and could be a strong contender despite the penalty. Soldierofthestorm (IRE) finished third in a bumper at Ascot in October and is entitled to come forward from that performance.

Chevington ran well when second at this course in February but this is a tougher event and improvement is needed. The Doyen Chief (IRE) is a rules debutant but has shown promise with a win in Irish points and sold for a substantial amount. Oneandahalfdegrees (IRE) has a promising pedigree but faces some tough competition in this race. Britannia Girl’s breeding does not offer much confidence and makes limited appeal on paper.

Mac’s Legacy (IRE) is a debutant with a decent pedigree but trainer has a poor record in these races. Maryah Island is another debutant but faces strong competition from more promising runners. Catch The Crumpet did not perform well on debut and has the tongue-tie fitted now.

In summary, Largy Valley (IRE), Lump Sum (FR), and Soldierofthestorm (IRE) are the top three horses that have the potential to win this race. Chevington and The Doyen Chief (IRE) could also be in with a chance while Britannia Girl, Mac’s Legacy (IRE), Maryah Island, and Catch The Crumpet are unlikely to win based on their form and breeding.

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