MELTON MOSSY won this race last year and while he's 7 lb higher this time, hopes are high that he's up to the challenge on the back of an excellent reappearance. 4-y-o Ocean Conquest won at the track recently and is the obvious threat.
Melton Mossy
Ocean Conquest
Diplomatie
2m5f Hcap Hrd
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
3. Ocean Conquest
J: Miss Amber Jackson-FennellT: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
F: 74225-1
Price History:
2.25
Age:
4
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
112
Days Since Last Run:
14
Verdict
Flat winner in Ireland who showed fair form when runner-up twice in juvenile hurdles last season. Made the most of a good opportunity in a 2m novice here on reappearance a fortnight ago and way he shaped that day suggests this trip will be within range.
5. Melton Mossy
J: Miss Eleanor WilliamsT: Evan Williams
F: 6132785-2
Price History:
3.75
Age:
6
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
104
Days Since Last Run:
21
Verdict
Won 4 times in first half of last season, including when striking under Eleanor Williams in this race a year ago. Placed on his next 2 starts and while he ended the campaign in disappointing fashion, last month's second at Ludlow was much more like it. Major claims.
1. Diplomatie
J: Miss Victoria MalzardT: Harry Derham
F: 311-U2F27
Price History:
5.50
Age:
7
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
116
Days Since Last Run:
10
Verdict
Races mainly in Jersey (won 17f hurdle at Les Landes in April) but posted a good second for current yard in a C&D contest last month. In nothing like the same form at Bangor since, however and cheekpieces now on.
2. Sams Amour
J: Mr Louis BurkeT: Keiran Burke
F: 16211-428
Price History:
6.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
111
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
Successful 3 times in 2024. As good as ever on second outing back this season when second of 7 over 26.5f at Newton Abbot in July before finding step up in class too much at Worcester 2 months later.
4. Collingham
J: Mr Huw EdwardsT: Jake Thomas Coulson
F: F13-1456P
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-5
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
107
Days Since Last Run:
67
Verdict
Latest win in hurdle at Fakenham in May but below par since over both sets of obstacles for current yard.
6. Cotton End
J: Mr Finley FreemanT: Jackie du Plessis
F: 34435/566-
Price History:
34.00
Age:
11
Weight:
9-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
90
Days Since Last Run:
516
Verdict
Losing run is mounting up and little to shout about in a couple of light campaigns over fences last 2 seasons. Out of the weights returning to hurdling for new yard (patchy form in points).