Southwell

Monday, December 16, 2024ChaseClass 53m

Verdict

Preference is for MISTYMAL, who made a winning debut in this sphere on return at Hereford in October and went like the best horse at the weights when narrowly denied back there just under 5 weeks ago. First-time cheekpieces go on, and he can get the better of Safe Destination, who isn't the most reliable but looks better than ever this season. Jessmae showed more than previosuly on his recent chase debut, so he rounds off the shortlist.

Mistymal
Safe Destination
Jessmae

Win or Each Way

Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places

1. Ali Star Bert
J: Jack QuinlanT: Shaun Harris
F: 11U2-P52P
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
100
Days Since Last Run:
9
Verdict
Three-time 3m chase winner (including twice over C&D) in the mud last season but ran too badly to be true at Wetherby (24.2f, heavy) 9 days ago, labouring badly under circuit out. Immediate bounce back needed.
2. Safe Destination
J: Mr Toby McCain-MitchellT: Nigel Twiston-Davies
F: 1P1P55-12
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
96
Days Since Last Run:
38
Verdict
Not the most reliable but returned with a career best to win at Market Rasen in September and backed it up with a good second at Fontwell (26f, good to soft) last month, so warrants respect.
3. Ballynaheer
J: Charlie ToddT: David Dennis
F: 53P17-335
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
95
Days Since Last Run:
2
Verdict
A fair 2m4f winner over hurdles who made a bright start over fences with placed efforts at Uttoxeter/Wincanton in October. Shade disappointing when fifth of 8 in handicap chase at Hereford (25.2f) just under 5 weeks ago but definite player on previous exploits. Engaged 2.32 Newcastle Saturday.
4. Unblinking
J: Finn LambertT: Robert Bevis
F: 4P/2272PP-
Price History:
-
Age:
11
Weight:
11-6
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
92
Days Since Last Run:
236
Verdict
Gained breakthrough over fences at Hereford (25f, good) in 2022/23 season and was runner-up 3 times last season. However, he ended that campaign out of sorts so tough to know what mood he'll return in.
5. Valence Daumont
J: Sean QuinlanT: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith
F: 889P4-533
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
88
Days Since Last Run:
22
Verdict
Tumbled down the weights and finished a well-beaten third on both outings last month. This is his first crack at 3m over fences and headgear is applied for the first time for the yard. Handicapper drops him a further 3 lb.
6. Mistymal
J: Alan JohnsT: Tim Vaughan
F: P60254-13
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
10-13
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
85
Days Since Last Run:
34
Verdict
Irish point winner who made a winning chasing debut in 8-runner handicap at Hereford in October, forging clear run-in. Went like the best horse at the weights bidding to follow up when finishing a close third there (25.2f, good) last month and remains of interest. Headgear applied.
7. Casting Aspersions
J: Jonathan BurkeT: Noel Williams
F: 7-05P0
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
10-10
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
82
Days Since Last Run:
26
Verdict
Runner-up both completed starts in points but only modest form shown over hurdles. Tongue tie replaced the usual hood but fared no better sent chasing on handicap debut at Ffos Las recently, so easy to look elsewhere.
8. Jessmae
J: Lee EdwardsT: Henry Oliver
F: 44-02
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
10-7
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
79
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Successful just once from 8 starts between the flags and well held all 3 starts over hurdles. Offered a bit more tried chasing when runner-up at Market Rasen (21.4f, soft) just under 3 weeks ago and needs to build on that here. Cheekpieces applied.
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Southwell

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