The feature race of Wednesday’s card at Towcester is a Class 3 handicap hurdle. Our betting preview analyses this warm contest and includes our tip for the race.
IN SUMMARY: An open looking contest in which a valid case can be made for most. CHIC THEATRE was clearly flying too high last time out in the EBF Final but finished 9th of 17 runners and looks the one to beat back down in grade. Two good runs at Sedgefield the last twice put Venue in the mix who looks set to run well again but it’s the progressive Moonday Sun who rates the chief danger. Sureness could also have a say if returning to form over hurdles.
1 Venue – A likeable type who won 3 of his first 4 races on the flat for the legendary Cecil yard. He continued that success under Donald McCain winning 2 of his first 4 hurdle starts but had since become disappointing. Snapped a 10 race losing streak at Sedgefield last month winning comfortably 6 lengths and followed up with a pleasing 2nd. Another good run expected but may prove vulnerable to an improving type.
2 Moonday Sun – A well campaigned 7-year-old who has improved stacks since changing ownership back in July and joining Nigel Twiston-Davies to go hurdling. Sent out just 10 days after being purchased he disappointed on debut before an improved display at Market Rasen just two weeks later. Sent on to Bangor for his third outing he finally got his head in front and did it well, slamming Warren Greatrex’s Three Colours Red by 9 lengths before following up at Worcester next time out. Ran a decent 3rd last time out and perhaps blundered away his chance at the last. However he was outpaced towards the line and although a strong bid is very likely there are signs that the handicapper may be catching up with him.
3 Chic Theatre – It was a bold move of David Pipe’s to run this progressive type in a hot race at Sandown last time out and although prominent tactics saw him show up well for a long way he was ultimately outclassed and faded to finish 9th of 17. That said, it was a very creditable run from this promising sort and he looks the one to be with back from a break, down in class with the headgear added.
4 Sureness – Won three on the spin over hurdles in 2014 but struggled over both hurdles and fences last year. After being pulled up on seasonal reappearance over hurdles he was put back on the flat and has form figures of 1415229. Can get involved if transferring his for to this sphere but over 2 years without a win over timber now and not one for maximum faith.
5 Vocaliser – Won 2 from 7 on the flat with Jim Bolger early in his career but made no impression in three runs over hurdles so far winning just £340 in prize money when finishing a well back 4th of 8 at Newbury earlier this year. Has since been switched back to the flat but in poor form and easy enough to dismiss.
myracing Forecast Prices: 2/1 Moonday Sun, 5/2 Chic Theatre, 7/2 Venue, 5/1 Sureness, 16/1 Vocaliser