Racing returns to Hereford Racecourse today for a seven-race card, consisting of five hurdle races and two steeplechases.
Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Hereford card, courtesy of Sporting Life.
For more – https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/tips-centre
Kicking off the afternoon’s action is a conditional and amateur riders’ handicap hurdle, run over two and a half miles (1.20). Evan Williams’ Walkinthewoods may prove to be well treated if he can translate his ability over fences back over hurdles here, as he returns for the new season today. Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s Knightsbridge, though, makes some appeal too in first-time cheekpieces, but he may prefer a longer trip. Olly Murphy’s yard is in excellent form at present, and therefore his runner Kopa Kilana, equipped with blinkers, looks the one to side with.
Next is a two-mile Junior hurdle, reserved for three-year-olds who have not run on the Flat (1.50). Noel Williams’ Gallic Melody is the only one with any previous form, having finished midfield in a Huntingdon bumper last month. With none of the other six having ever run previously, this race could go any way, but Warren Greatrex’s Aqua Bleu is likely to attract plenty of attention due to being by fashionable sire Blue Bresil. Nicky Henderson’s Planters Punch, however, might be the one to side with given the trainer’s strong record in this class of race.
Race three is a handicap chase run over three miles and one furlong (2.20). Of the five runners, one seeks a hat-trick; D’Jo Dela Barriere, who won his first start over fences at Ludlow 10 days ago. He should be competitive in running, but might be at the wrong end of the weights here. Copshill Lad returns for the new term here and goes well fresh, especially so on today’s good ground, so he should be the one to beat here, representing a stable in remarkably good form.
The fourth race is a two and a half mile maiden hurdle (2.50). Tom Lacey’s Montemares is the only one we haven’t seen run yet, and comes from a useful family so could factor, but Riviera Walk is an improving mare with a promising last run over hurdles at Chepstow. She could be the one to beat, but Getarose must be looked out for.
Next is a two-mile novices’ hurdle (3.20). Liasse d’Argent is the only newcomer here, while the best exposed are Ben Case’s Romany Brown and Fergal O’Brien’s Sun Art. The Oliver Signy-trained Constantinian looks an interesting prospect, after a good couple of bumper performances last term, the form of which has been franked.
Second to last is a three and a quarter mile handicap hurdle (3.50). Both Doctor Kildare and Flash In The Pan won their most recent starts, with the latter looking the most likely to repeat that form as the former carries topweight here, which might be challenging over this trip. Mel Rowley’s lightly raced Shorten Sassy shouldn’t be overlooked, while Alastair Ralph appears to have a good chance of a winner with Prince De Juilley, who is a consistent type and is given a useful five pounds by tinder Toby McCain-Mitchell.
Finally, we conclude with a two-mile handicap chase (4.20). Topweight Chestnut Pete ought to factor for Katy Price, while Hobie could leave his most recent form behind him and may be able to win again under Sam Twiston-Davies, who rode him to victory twice in a row earlier this year. Gerard Mentor is well fancied under Tom Bellamy, but has found his current mark hard to win off in the past.
Hereford selections – Monday:
1.20 – Kopa Kilana
1.50 – Planters Punch
2.20 – Copshill Lad
2.50 – Riviera Walk
3.20 – Constantinian
3.50 – Prince De Juilley
4.20 – Hobie
