3.55pm Worcester Tips & Betting Preview 12/10/2017

3.55pm Worcester tips for Thursday’s Class 4 race. Several useful hurdlers for the coming season are out in this intriguing Novices’ Hurdle, where you’ll need your notebook at the ready. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: It’s almost impossible to get away from COUNTER SHY who dismantled a field at Worcester on hurdling debut, despite some poor jumps. He can only improve for the experience and this well bred son of Galileo should have no problem making it two from two under Richie McLernon. The main danger is Sword Of Fate who ran well on hurdling debut and won’t be far away with an improved performance.

1 ARTHINGTON – Unbeaten over hurdles for Seamus Mullins, drawing clear in great style at Plumpton last month. He’s got more on his plate here under a penalty, however he should improve for that seasonal debut and is respected as such.

2 COUNTER SHY – Ran well in one bumper run for Jonjo O’Neill and was impressive in winning his hurdling debut, despite some errant jumps on occasion. He can only improve for that experience and this well bred son of Galileo will have no problem winning here.

3 CHEER’S DELBOY – Only cost €5,800 as a yearling and doesn’t take the eye on pedigree, with the only form to go by being a second in a Point-to-Point. Market check is advised, however he’s likely to need this run in a highly competitive contest.

4 CORBETT COURT – Two very poor runs in the context of this race for Debra Harmer earlier this year, tailed off at Ffos Las from an early stage. He now drops markedly in trip but is readily dismissed.

5 DR DES – Some fair form in points for Henry Oliver, but nothing that sets the world alight, finishing second in May 2017 which was his best effort. He makes his rules debut with his pedigree which suggests that he’ll need far more in time. Can only be watched.

6 HOLRYALE – Won a bumper at the first attempt and didn’t run badly on hurdling debut at Newton Abbot, second behind a useful horse who’s followed up since. He can only improve for that run and needs to do so, with others achieving far more at this point. Each way claims only.

7 MONTY’S AWARD – Won a bumper here back in October 2016 in good style and he wasn’t disgraced under a penalty afterwards. He returns from a 232 break on hurdling debut, but he should go fine fresh and looks sure to go close if taking to hurdling.

8 SWORD OF FATE – Won on bumper debut by a wide margin and he wasn’t beaten far by a useful horse at Warwick in September on hurdling debut. There is likely far more to come from him and Richard Johnson takes the ride, so he has to be respected.

9 THE DAWN MAN –  Won a Point-to-Point back in March and cost £30,000 and the sales, joining the Henry Oliver team. He’s an interesting prospect, but does seem to need further in time, although he couldn’t be dismissed for each way claims.