3.53 Borders Carers Centre Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4) – 2m 4f 189y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Jackson Lamb (TimeWise Total: 290)
2. Jentobello (TimeWise Total: 287)

Jackson Lamb

• Recent Form & Comments: Jackson Lamb (6yo, 21 days since last race) secured a victory at Bellewstown (2m4f, good) in his third start over hurdles, despite exhibiting “some indifferent jumping”. He achieved an RPR of 127, which sets a strong standard for this race. His stable also won this race last year. However, “softening ground might not be ideal” for him, as he was previously “withdrawn from a yielding to soft engagement”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Demonstrated strong recent form with a hurdles win and high RPR, setting the standard for the field. His stable has a proven track record in this specific race.
  • Weaknesses: His jumping has been described as “indifferent”. There is a concern regarding his suitability for potentially softening ground, given a previous withdrawal from similar conditions.
  • Suitability: The 2m4f distance is proven to be suitable. The ‘Good’ ground might transition towards softer conditions, which is his primary weakness.

Jentobello

• Recent Form & Comments: Jentobello (5yo, 21 days since last race) is a dual bumper winner on good ground. He has recorded two placed efforts over hurdles (2m/2m4f) on good ground. His RPRs suggest he has “a fair bit to find with Jackson Lamb”. The “addition of cheekpieces could help his jumping which hasn’t been foot perfect”. Like Jackson Lamb, he was also “taken out of a soft-ground engagement” previously.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Proven ability in bumpers and placed form over hurdles on good ground. The application of cheekpieces might lead to improved jumping.
  • Weaknesses: Needs to significantly improve his RPRs to be competitive with Jackson Lamb. His jumping “hasn’t been foot perfect”, and his prior withdrawal from soft ground raises concerns about his performance on easing conditions.
  • Suitability: The good ground conditions are suitable based on his previous runs. The distance is within his proven range. Softening ground could be a significant disadvantage.

Spotlight Verdict: Magic Gloves could be interesting given that he fetched £42,000 after winning an Irish point but the chances are that JACKSON LAMB will follow up his Bellewstown success for last season’s successful stable. Jentobello has to step up on his hurdling form but the cheekpieces might sharpen up his jumping technique.

4.25 Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 2m 4f 189y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Here Comes Georgie (TimeWise Total: 335)
2. Luttrell Lad (TimeWise Total: 308)

Here Comes Georgie

• Recent Form & Comments: Here Comes Georgie (7yo, 32 days since last race) returned from a four-month layoff with a “career-best victory” in a 2m Perth handicap hurdle. He is now “up another 4lb but not taken lightly if his stamina holds out over this longer trip”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Comes into the race on the back of a career-best performance, indicating excellent current form. His recent win suggests good fitness after a break.
  • Weaknesses: His previous win was over 2m, so his stamina for the longer 2m4f 189y trip is unproven. He also faces a 4lb rise in weights.
  • Suitability: The ‘Good’ ground is suitable for him. The extended distance is the primary question mark regarding his suitability.

Luttrell Lad

• Recent Form & Comments: Luttrell Lad (9yo, 18 days since last race) resumed winning ways at Taunton (2m) in February and has since shown “good form,” finishing runner-up in a 2m5f handicap at Newton Abbot with a visor applied. He “must enter calculations despite a 2lb weights rise with the headgear again sported”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Has demonstrated consistent good form and a recent runner-up finish over a similar distance (2m5f), indicating suitability for the trip. The reapplication of a visor may further enhance his performance.
  • Weaknesses: Carries a 2lb weight rise. As a 9yo, he is older than some rivals.
  • Suitability: Proven over the 2m5f distance and on ‘Good’ ground. His consistency suggests good suitability for today’s conditions.

Spotlight Verdict: A case can be made for a few of these but there was plenty to like about the breakthrough victory of Tristan Davidson’s new recruit DIVILABOTHER at Hexham so he looks the way to go. Irish raider Rockview Consort heads the dangers with in-form pair Luttrell Lad and The Navigator also in the mix.

5.00 RBC Brewin Dolphin Handicap Chase (Go North Monet’s Garden Series Qualifier) (GBB Race) (Class 4) – 2m 5f 133y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Lets Sail Away (TimeWise Total: 290)
2. Nickelforce (TimeWise Total: 282)

Lets Sail Away

• Recent Form & Comments: Lets Sail Away (6yo, 17 days since last race) previously won over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m2f). He has “shaped well” since switching to chasing, finishing runner-up twice in 2m4f handicaps at Uttoxeter and Worcester. The winner of his Worcester race “has gone in again since”. He is “tongue tied now and visor replaces cheekpieces; weighted to go close”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Has shown excellent form in recent chase starts, consistently placing, which suggests he is quickly taking to fences. He runs off the same mark after a very strong recent second, with the winner subsequently proving the form. The headgear change to a visor may spark further improvement.
  • Weaknesses: He is relatively new to chasing compared to some more experienced rivals.
  • Suitability: The 2m5f 133y distance is suitable based on his recent chase form. The ‘Good’ ground is expected to suit.

Nickelforce

• Recent Form & Comments: Nickelforce (6yo, 23 days since last race) won on his first two chasing starts last autumn. He “arrives in very good order,” having finished a “strong-travelling third of 11 in 2m5f handicap at Cartmel” off a 1lb lower mark. He is “very much one to consider”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: In very good current form, including a strong third-place finish off a favourable mark. He has previous winning experience over fences.
  • Weaknesses: While in good form, his last win was in the autumn of last year.
  • Suitability: The 2m5f 133y distance is proven, and the ‘Good’ ground is suitable.

Spotlight Verdict: Last year’s winner Half Shot seems sure to go well once more and the reliable Nickelforce (second choice) also has good credentials. However, LET’S SAIL AWAY can race off the same mark as when a very good recent second behind a next-time-out winner at Worcester so edges the vote.

5.30 Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (Class 5) – 2m 2f 25y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Ambassador (TimeWise Total: 270)
2. Heart Above (TimeWise Total: 255)

Ambassador

• Recent Form & Comments: Ambassador (8yo, 25 days since last race) achieved his seventh hurdle win by “making all off reduced mark at Cartmel (2m1f, good)”. Despite being “back up 7lb,” his performance was a “dominant display,” and he “remains well treated on old form; big player”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Secured a dominant win recently and is considered still “well treated” by the handicapper, even with a 7lb penalty. He has a proven track record over similar distances.
  • Weaknesses: The 7lb penalty increases his challenge.
  • Suitability: The 2m2f 25y distance is suitable. The ‘Good’ ground is also suitable, as he has won on good ground.

Heart Above

• Recent Form & Comments: Heart Above (7yo, 58 days since last race) is a dual hurdle winner who has placed in five of his last seven runs, including a “rallying fourth at Cartmel (2m1f, soft)” in July. “This step back up in trip looks a positive,” and he “should go well again after a short break”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Consistent performer with a good record of placing. His ability to perform on soft ground suggests versatility in conditions. The return from a short break may see him refreshed, and the step up in trip is considered beneficial.
  • Weaknesses: Tends to place rather than win, having not recorded a recent victory.
  • Suitability: The 2m2f 25y distance should be suitable, given the positive comment about the step up in trip. He has proven form on ‘Good’ ground and soft.

Spotlight Verdict: Top of the list is AMBASSADOR (nap) who cashed in on a reduced mark with a dominant display under Joshua Thompson at Cartmel last month. He remains well handicapped on old form and is a major player again in his bid for an eighth win over hurdles. The in-form 8yo Guillaume is feared most, although Heart Above could go well after a short break and it wouldn’t be a surprise if O’Faolains Glory made a bold bid on her drop back in trip.

6.00 Abbey Fine Wines Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (Class 5) – 2m 2f 25y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Huit Reflets (TimeWise Total: 236)
2. Milajess (TimeWise Total: 230)

Huit Reflets

• Recent Form & Comments: Huit Reflets (8yo, 21 days since last race) “returned to form when runner-up in 2m4f Hexham handicap chase” recently. He “needs to back it up now returned to this sphere (hurdling)”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Showed strong recent form in a chase, indicating good physical condition and competitive ability.
  • Weaknesses: Must now transfer that chase form back to hurdles, which is not always straightforward.
  • Suitability: The ‘Good’ ground is expected to be suitable. The 2m2f 25y distance is within his proven range over hurdles and chases.

Milajess

• Recent Form & Comments: Milajess (8yo, 52 days since last race) secured a breakthrough success at Sedgefield (2m1f) in April and “has continued in very good form, third of 12 in 2m Uttoxeter handicap in July”. “Cheekpieces replace blinkers and she’s a likely player after a break”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Is a recent winner and has maintained “very good form,” including a strong placing in a competitive handicap. The change of headgear to cheekpieces might provide an edge, and she is returning from a break.
  • Weaknesses: The current distance is slightly longer than her recent winning trip, but still within a suitable range.
  • Suitability: The 2m2f 25y distance is suitable. The ‘Good’ ground is expected to be suitable.

Spotlight Verdict: A number of these arrive with a question mark against them so this looks a very good opportunity for Micky Hammond’s reliable MILAJESS to bag a deserved second success after a break. Game Beaaa is weighted to go well and could emerge as the chief threat, although the returning She’s Notjoeking could also have a say if back on song.

6.30 Belhaven Brewery Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) – 2m 1f 14y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Dog Fox (TimeWise Total: 300)
2. Pay The Piper (TimeWise Total: 295)

Dog Fox

• Recent Form & Comments: Dog Fox (5yo, 63 days since last race) is a “two-time Flat winner who has been in good form over hurdles this summer, winning at Uttoxeter (2m, good) two months ago”. This 5yo is considered a “major player if taking to fences at the first attempt”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Comes into the race in good form over hurdles with a recent win, indicating current well-being. As the youngest of the top two, he has potential for improvement over fences.
  • Weaknesses: This is his debut over fences, which is a significant unknown in a handicap chase.
  • Suitability: The 2m1f distance is suitable based on his hurdle form. The ‘Good’ ground is suitable. The primary risk is the switch to chasing.

Pay The Piper

• Recent Form & Comments: Pay The Piper (10yo, 147 days since last race) won this race 12 months ago on his reappearance when 4lb lower. He subsequently finished a “2l second to Primoz at Wetherby, the form of which could be reversed on these more favourable terms”. He is described as “consistent and should have every chance”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: A proven winner of this very race, demonstrating suitability for the course and distance. His consistent form and the potential for reversed form with Primoz on more favourable terms are positives.
  • Weaknesses: Returning from a substantial 147-day break, which raises questions about his immediate fitness. At 10 years old, he is an older horse in the field.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable for the course and 2m1f distance as a previous winner. The ‘Good’ ground is suitable.

Spotlight Verdict: The interesting horse is PRIMOZ for whom things didn’t pan out too favourably in the big 2m handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring but he retains plenty of potential and has undergone wind surgery. Last year’s winner Pay The Piper is feared most, though Garde Des Champs did go close 12 months ago and he is now tried in a visor.

7.00 racingtv.com/freetrial Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination) (GBB Race) (Class 4) – 2m 51y

Master Top Two Rated Horses:

1. Dotties Promise (TimeWise Total: 247)
2. Nobotheratall (TimeWise Total: 224)

Dotties Promise

• Recent Form & Comments: Dotties Promise (5yo, 95 days since last race) is out of a bumper winner. She was “close up at Hexham (good to soft) despite racing freely”. She is considered.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Possesses a good pedigree with a dam that was a bumper winner. Showed promise on her debut by staying “close up” despite racing freely.
  • Weaknesses: Raced freely on her debut. She is returning from a 95-day break, which could impact her fitness.
  • Suitability: Her form on good to soft ground suggests suitability for today’s ‘Good’ ground. The 2m distance is suitable.

Nobotheratall

• Recent Form & Comments: Nobotheratall (5yo, 75 days since last race) ran “prominent throughout when third of 14 on good ground at Wexford in July”. He was “beaten about 8l in the end but should have a future for new yard”.
• Assessment of Chances Today:
  • Strengths: Showed promise on his debut for a new yard, suggesting potential for significant improvement. His prominent running style could be an asset in this type of race.
  • Weaknesses: Still needs to improve on his debut performance to be a winning contender.
  • Suitability: Has proven form on ‘Good’ ground, which is suitable for today’s conditions. The 2m distance is appropriate.

Spotlight Verdict: This looks a weak bumper. Gijima ran well at Perth considering she raced freely early but NOBOTHERATALL might not have to improve all that much on his third at Wexford to win today. Dotties Promise showed enough at Hexham to believe she may also have a say for last year’s winning stable.