7.00pm Worcester Tips & Betting Preview 12/07/2016

IN SUMMARY: Moss On The Mill is running very solidly lately with the introduction of cheek-pieces and another solid effort can be expected, however, VOLCANIC may well be able to reverse the form with him. Donald McCain’s charge is also running well of late and although he was behind Moss On The Mill latest, he attempted to make all and made a mistake that didn’t help his cause. He only has to make up just over a length with Tom George’s runner and has a slight pull in the weights to help with that. With no other front runners confirmed, this could be his chance to notch his 4th win over hurdles.

1 VOLCANIC – Running well in defeat of late and his latest 4th at Worcester (23f, Good) is much better than it looks on paper. He attempted to make all that day and bravely dug in when headed a way out to remain with the leaders. He was then squeezed at the elbow and had to be switched, only finishing a length or so behind Moss On The Mill. He can reverse that form with a slight weight pull and will give this a very good crack.

2 HIGHPOWER – Won twice last summer at Cartmel (22f, Good) and Uttoxter (20f Good) and is relatively lightly raced for his age. His peak efforts over fences would give him a good chance in this, but he was poor last twice when chasing, the most recent when tailed off at Uttoxeter (24f, Good). If galvanized by that run he can be a threat but still needs to convince.

3 MOSS ON THE MILL – Inform of late after the effective addition of cheekpieces, latest when 2nd at Worcester (23f, Good). That was a good run and was attempting to go back to back after winning at Market Rasen beforehand (23f, Good). However he may struggle to beat Volcanic with a him having a slight pull in the weights, and he has posted some dubious efforts in the past over hurdles. Definite contender if cheekpieces are still effective.

4 HENLLAN HARRI – In no sort of form lately, pulling up 4 times out of his last 6 runs. However looking at peak efforts, he can’t be completely discounted and if going back to any of those efforts would put him in the mix in this. Peter Bowen’s yard is going well of late, so that makes this runner interesting, tentatively short-listed if staging a revival.

5 BALLYKNOCK LAD – On the same mark as when winning in a Handicap Chase in May (25f, Good to Firm), so clearly is a very stout stayer. Has ran with credit over hurdles previously and could be dangerous, although I suspect this might not be enough of a test for him.

6 TAIGAN – 1 moderate and 2 poor runs over hurdles in his last 3 runs, the moderate run coming latest when 4th at Worcester (20f, Good to Soft). Weighted well if he has been revived from poor efforts recently but can’t be backed with much confidence after this recent run.

7 HOLD COURT – Won over C&D three starts ago (23f, Good to Soft), and last few runs have been good without being particularly spectacular. Will clearly need to be at his best to win this but that isn’t beyond him, considered.

8 WEYBURN – Unexposed 5yo from the Martin Keighley yard. Won a maiden hurdle at Southwell in March (20.5f, Good) and then unseated on chasing debut at the 2nd fence. Hard to gauge his current ability as he has been very hot and cold, but is not weighted harshly and could well give a good account. However others are much stronger, and will probably have to wait to record his second hurdle victory.