Preference is for RICHMOND LAKE, who is back on his last winning mark and ran a cracker in the Grand Sefton here last month. Westerninthepark may have more to offer over fences yet and rates the principal threat.
Richmond Lake
Westerninthepark
Imperial Saint
2m4f Hcap Chs
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
5. Westerninthepark
J: Sean BowenT: Olly Murphy
F: 10/3115-12
Price History:
2.50
Age:
6
Weight:
11-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
131
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Bumper/dual hurdles winner who made a winning start in this sphere at Stratford (20.9f) in October and backed that up with creditable second of 7 in handicap chase at Cheltenham (20.2f, good to soft, 11/2) 39 days ago. Likely more to come yet.
1. Richmond Lake
J: Brian HughesT: Donald McCain
F: 1/1149F0-4
Price History:
3.50
Age:
8
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
142
Days Since Last Run:
47
Verdict
Had a prolific period in 2023, completing a four-timer over C&D 12 months ago. Seemed to lose confidence in his jumping thereafter but right back to best, after 7 months off, when fourth in last month's Grand Sefton over the National fences. Likely contender.
3. Imperial Saint
J: Micheal NolanT: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
F: 12331-117
Price History:
6.50
Age:
6
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
137
Days Since Last Run:
26
Verdict
Bagged back-to-back course handicaps (both 15.8f) on first 2 starts over fences this autumn. Hit with a 10 lb rise for second of those victories and proved disappointing at Newbury latest but is still low mileage and he has scored over this longer trip before.
2. Heltenham
J: Ciaran GethingsT: Dan Skelton
F: 382118F-8
Price History:
7.00
Age:
7
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
139
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Improved again last season, the highlight being his victory in Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury (20f) in March. Disappointed at same venue on return last month but may have needed that and he could be a player.
4. Herbiers
J: James BowenT: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
F: 155214/2-P
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
132
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
Useful handicap hurdler and similar form over fences, running well when second of 4 in handicap chase at Warwick (16.2f) in May of last year. Looked badly in need of run, on first start since, at Wetherby last month and this should reveal more.