1.50pm Fakenham Tips & Betting Preview 21/11/2017

A small field Class 4 novices’ handicap hurdle with a prize of £3,743. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: Bardd has been a touch disappointing since winning his bumper and may be one worth taking on at a short price. There aren’t many credible alternatives but CHILLI ROMANCE makes plenty of appeal, he ran well behind a progressive rival last time and could cause a bit of a shock here.

1 BARDD – Easily won a bumper on his second start under rules and ran a pretty good race when fourth in a decent race at Ascot on handicap debut. Needs to prove his dedication in a finish but there’s a chance he could be a bit too good for these.

2 MULLAGHBOY – Had no chance against a very smart mare on his stable debut and was beaten a distance but has been dropped five pounds as a consequence and makes his handicap debut today. Will need to improve but that isn’t impossible and this doesn’t look a great race.

3 CHILLI ROMANCE – Has yet to win over hurdles after nine starts which isn’t overly encouraging but has run reasonably well the last twice. Was beaten just five lengths last time and that form is beginning to look quite good as the winner bolted up again next time out.

4 COCKER – Hasn’t run for over a year and has yet to record a win after fifteen starts under rules combined. Was just a moderate performer on the flat and although he races off bottom weight he is likely to find this tough.