2.30pm Wetherby Tips & Betting Preview 29/11/2017

IN SUMMARY: ROAD TO ROME is a very interesting runner on his debut for the Oliver Sherwood yard having shown promise for his previous trainer. This trip and ground are in his favour with this looking a very workable mark on his best. Reverant Cust needed his return last season so the fact he was disappointing on his return this time around is no concern, he should be capable of much better. Becky The Thatcher is open to further improvement in this sphere along with Freewheel.

1 BECKY THE THATCHER – Only moderate on the flat, but she has really got her act together in limited action over hurdles. Not seen in this sphere since March, her two recent runs are poor on the flat but respected back over obstacles.

2 ONLY ORSENFOOLSIES – Ran poorly here last time over an insufficient trip, this step up on softer ground will suit. Placed from a pound higher at Ayr in January, is capable of taking a hand on his day.

3 AWAY FOR SLATES – Shaped with plenty of promise on his return from a twenty month absence a fortnight ago. Won from this mark in March 2016 but the quick return brings the bounce factor into play which is a significant concern.

4 U NAME IT – Failed to complete in four of his last five starts, those efforts coming over a two year span. Clearly hard to keep right, he makes very limited appeal in this lineup.

5 MR SNOOZY – In sound heart at the start of the year in selling company, he returned from a break last time in similar vein. It would appear his back problems are behind him, the concern here is the ground being softer than ideal for him.

6 THORPE – Finally halted his two stone slide down the weights with a double in the summer. Beaten favourite last time but he has conditions to suit and plenty of room in this mark on his very best form.

7 REVERANT CUST – Solid form last season, placing from this mark. A little disappointing on his return to action over this course and distance, but he needed a couple of runs to put him straight last season so he is capable of better.

8 GLINGERSIDE – Plenty of potential as a novice but has flopped badly since heading into handicaps. Conditions suit but he’s best watched until he shows a little more sparkle again.

9 SIR TOMMY – Improved out of all recognition to score at 50/1 in September, doing nothing to suggest that wasn’t a fluke last time. That one run stands out head and shoulders above the rest of his form, easily enough passed over until he proves he can repeat it.

10 MCVICAR – Rounded out last campaign with a win in a similar contest at Doncaster. Still on a workable mark on his best with soft ground suiting him well. Would like to have seen him perform better in a pair of outings on the flat in September however.

11 ROAD TO ROME – Showed glimpses of promise as a novice, most notably when five lengths adrift of the now 147 rated Midnight Tour. A move to Oliver Sherwood looks a positive one, with this mark looking a winnable one on his form. Has a big chance here.

12 BILLY FLIGHT – Picked up a race in Ireland over further on good ground when with Noel Meade. These conditions don’t look as suitable for his UK debut, with the handicapper taking no chances. Looks one of the least likely to contend.

13 STAIGUE FORT – October 2013 was the last time he got his head in front, both wins coming on good to firm. Again found quick ground to his liking when last seen in March, this looks a struggle for him on soft.

14 FREEWHEEL – Just the four runs over hurdles, showing most at this track over two miles. Acts on soft ground and well enough treated on his flat form if he can produce that same level in this discipline.