Hopefully there's enough pace on for SHALLOW RIVER, who looks as good as ever as a veteran. He's narrowly preferred to unexposed Idaho Fire, while Pike Road is interesting back over hurdles.
Shallow River
Idaho Fire
Pike Road
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
8. Divilabother
J: Harry ReedT: Tristan Davidson
F: 245-36111
Price History:
3.13
Age:
8
Weight:
11-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
119
Days Since Last Run:
2
Verdict
Has been a revelation for in-form yard and completed a hat-trick in handicap hurdles here (2½m) on Friday. Got to be on the shortlist if turned out again quickly.
9. Idaho Fire
J: Jonathan BurkeT: James Owen
F: 7PP-31
Price History:
4.33
Age:
5
Weight:
10-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
110
Days Since Last Run:
16
Verdict
Runner-up in a point. Beat a next-time-out winner to land a gamble in weak race on handicap debut at Worcester (2½m). Up in trip/class on just second start for outstanding stable and is thoroughly unexposed.
4. Karnaval Point
J: Rian CorcoranT: David Pipe
F: 17461-131
Price History:
4.50
Age:
6
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
120
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Won twice over fences in France and has already matched that tally in 3 starts for new yard, advancing his form with success in 3m course handicap last time. Looks potentially interesting back over hurdles off only 1 lb higher.
5. Paddy De Pole
J: Freddie GingellT: Paul Nicholls
F: 332/5P14-2
Price History:
8.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-1
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
117
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Fairly consistent over hurdles, landing a fourth handicap success in Class 4 event at Sedgefield (27f) last September. Ran creditably behind a fairly useful one on reappearance at Worcester (2½m) latest. Expected to give his running back up in trip, for all this is a deeper race.
7. Tyson
J: Harry SkeltonT: Dan Skelton
F: 9P51-7122
Price History:
9.50
Age:
6
Weight:
10-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
113
Days Since Last Run:
26
Verdict
Back on the up when doubling his tally for Dan Skelton at Huntingdon in May. Runner-up at short price both starts since, not finding it enough of a test at Stratford latest. Still has bit to find at the weights up in grade, though should benefit from a more strongly-run race if Pike Road lines up.
2. Shallow River
J: Sean BowenT: Olly Murphy
F: 81/63
Price History:
9.50
Age:
10
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
127
Days Since Last Run:
45
Verdict
Strong stayer who won on second start for Olly Murphy at Carlisle (25f, soft) in 2024. Still off his latest winning mark and seems to retain all his ability after lengthy lay-off, finishing close third in solid handicap at Worcester last time. Makes appeal, especially if they go a good pace.
6. Pike Road
J: Freddie KeighleyT: Martin Keighley
F: U1456-427
Price History:
11.00
Age:
7
Weight:
10-11
Gear:
visor
Official Rating:
113
Days Since Last Run:
25
Verdict
Doubled his hurdles tally under a positive ride here in November prior to a solid fourth at Cheltenham. Back to best when second at Worcester (23f) last month before again failing to convince as a chaser. Could make bold bid with visor fitted on return to hurdling.
3. Roger Pol
J: Isabelle RyderT: Jamie Snowden
F: 033117-69
Price History:
19.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
125
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Won a race that fell apart over C&D before completing a double under this conditional at Hexham last October. Hasn't returned in anything like the same form. Cheekpieces now added on second start following breathing operation.
1. Zillow
J: Harry CobdenT: Faye Bramley
F: 0/110F00-7
Price History:
29.00
Age:
6
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
130
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
Formerly with Willie Mullins. Lost form for that yard after completing a cross-code hat-trick in listed handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in November. Little encouragement on recent debut for capable new stable and now tried over significantly longer trip.