Race Preview: 3:45 Worcester

This is the Vellacotts & Smiths Go Racing Handicap Hurdle, a competitive Class 4 event over 2 miles. A large field of 14 runners will go to post on ground described as Good. While it looks tricky on paper, the race revolves around one horse who is significantly ahead of the handicapper.

---

The Standout Favourite

• King Ulanda: It’s impossible to look past this horse. He absolutely bolted up at Carlisle just six days ago, winning by 11 lengths with his jockey taking it easy. That victory came on his first start since having wind surgery, suggesting a significant step forward.The crucial factor here is that he runs again quickly and escapes a penalty for that win. The official handicapper has already reassessed him and will raise him by 11lbs in the future, meaning he is effectively 11lbs “well-in” today. Running off the same mark of 104, he is incredibly well-treated and will be very hard to beat if in the same form. He is a very short price, but deservedly so.

---

The Main Dangers

• Lucky Bere: If there’s a horse to challenge the favourite, it could be this four-year-old. His form figures are consistent, and he wasn’t beaten far on his handicap debut at Sandown in a better race than this. He has since had wind surgery, and the booking of champion jockey Harry Cobden is a major statement of intent from the yard. He looks primed for a big run.
• Douglas Dc: This horse is on a long losing streak, but his recent form at this track is excellent. He was a very good second over this course and distance just 26 days ago, proving he’s in good heart and handles the conditions perfectly. He is a solid contender to hit the frame.
• French Emperor: Making his handicap debut after a 279-day absence. He showed promise in his first two hurdle runs over this trip before failing to get home over further last time. He’s unexposed and could have more to offer, but the long layoff is a significant concern against race-fit rivals.

---

Best of the Rest

• Stroll On By: A dual chase winner who is on a competitive mark back over hurdles. His recent good runs have come in this discipline, and he shouldn’t be underestimated.
• Farhh Echo: Showed his first real glimmer of ability when a decent fourth in a maiden here over the summer. The switch to handicap company could bring about the necessary improvement to get involved at a bigger price.

---

Verdict

While a 14-runner handicap is usually a minefield, this looks like a huge opportunity for KING ULANDA. He is massively ahead of his handicap mark and should be able to follow up his easy Carlisle victory.

The odds are very short, however. For those looking for an each-way alternative, LUCKY BERE makes the most appeal. The combination of wind surgery and the booking of Harry Cobden suggests he is ready to strike, and he could be the one to pick up the pieces if the favourite fails to fire.

1. King Ulanda
2. Lucky Bere
3. Douglas Dc