The 4.18 at Huntingdon is not a deep mares’ handicap hurdle, but it is an interesting race because the likely pace looks weak and that should have a big say in the result.
There is no obvious front-runner here, and both the race shape and the Timeform notes suggest this could turn tactical. In races like that, it often pays to side with one who can sit handy rather than a mare who needs everything to drop right from off the pace.
That brings Ever Ready firmly into the picture.
She took a clear step forward at Southwell last time, finishing a close second over a similar sort of trip. It was easily her best recent effort and, in a race lacking depth, that piece of form stands out. She is only 3lb higher here, which looks workable, and this setup could suit even better if she gets a prominent position early.
Timeform make the same point: a slowly-run race should help those racing handily, and Ever Ready is better placed than Callin Baton Rouge if that is how it unfolds.
Callin Baton Rouge is the obvious danger. She has stronger overall form than most of these, has winning form at the trip, and her second at Doncaster in December reads well enough for a race of this nature. The issue is her run style. She is usually played late, and in a steadily-run contest that can leave her with too much to do.
Laffer Curve is the unexposed one. Dan Skelton’s mare has only had a few runs, now goes handicapping, and comes from a yard that knows how to place one. There is every chance she can improve, but at the prices she looks more about potential than solid evidence.
Of the rest, Jessie Jump Jet has some place claims after her Hereford run, while Rosa Diaz is a possible improver now entering handicaps. No No Fizz and Mc’Flo look easy enough to oppose on what they have shown lately, and Innisfree Pearl needs to find more over hurdles.
This does not look a race to get too clever with. The form is modest, the pace looks weak, and the mare with the best recent effort and the most suitable tactical profile is Ever Ready.
Verdict
Ever Ready is the one to beat.
Callin Baton Rouge is the main danger.
Laffer Curve is the interesting handicap debutante.
Predicted 1-2-3
1. Ever Ready
2. Callin Baton Rouge
3. Laffer Curve