Southwell
Monday, March 17, 2025HurdleClass 42m4f
Verdict
Verdict
ESCAPOLOGIST has looked a different proposition since joining James Owen and with more improvement anticipated, he looks the one they all have to beat. A winner on hurdles debut, the lightly-raced South Omo Zone could pose a threat if back on song after disappointing on testing ground at Exeter last month, while Jack Hyde should appreciate this step up in distance.
Escapologist
South Omo Zone
Jack Hyde
Win or Each Way
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
- 1. EscapologistJ: Mr Alex ChadwickT: James OwenF: 74312
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 31
VerdictSteadily progressive in bumpers for Joe Ponting and much improved for James Owen, well-backed when producing a polished display to land a Fakenham maiden (2m4f) on stable debut in January. Improved (unsuited by a muddling race) when second over same C&D the following month. Looks the one to beat. - 2. Jack HydeJ: Tom BroughtonT: Fergal O'BrienF: 631/431
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictIrish point winner made it third time lucky in bumpers (for Thomas Gallagher) in January 2023. Off the mark on third start in maiden hurdles at Southwell (15.8f) two weeks ago, needing to be firmly driven to justify odds-on favouritism. Step up in trip may bring about further improvement. 
3. Monaco RulesJ: Brian HughesT: Micky HammondF: 1533- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 48
VerdictFairly useful on the Flat in France and made a winning start to hurdling for Francois Nicolle at Cholet in October. After 2 quieter runs for current connections, posted his best effort on these shores when third in a novice hurdle at Newcastle (20.3f) 48 days ago. Will need to step forward again.- 4. South Omo ZoneJ: Sean BowenT: Olly MurphyF: 7/1-1P
- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 11-12
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 24
VerdictBumper winner for Anthony Charlton in January 2024 but has seemingly been hard to keep right since. Landed a Wincanton maiden (15.2f) on reappearance/stable debut in January but ran poorly the following month on testing ground at Exeter. Lightly-raced and not ruled out if back on song. 
5. Little Big KevJ: Tom BellamyT: Richard PhillipsF: 3-4655- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 16
VerdictRunner-up on his only start in points and fair form in bumpers. Two runs in novice/maiden hurdles suggest he may be one for handicapping down the line, latest effort well-below form when fifth of 12 at Doncaster (19.4f). Others preferred.
6. Little DipperJ: Charlie DeutschT: Mel RowleyF: 4-437- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 18
VerdictMade a promising hurdling debut when third of 9 in novice at Southwell (15.8f, soft) in February but went backwards from that effort quite emphatically on second start in this sphere. While this longer trip is likely to suit, he is difficult to fancy strongly considering his most recent effort.
7. Tommy TuckerJ: William ShanahanT: Giuseppe FierroF: UP- Price History:
- -
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 11-5
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 0
- Days Since Last Run:
- 37
VerdictHaving unseated at the first hurdle on debut, showed very little when pulled up on second start last month. Isn't one to be interested in.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite