NED HILL made a promising start at Wetherby a couple of months ago and likely to improve a fair bit on that, he could be hard to beat here. 4-y-o Crest of Stars showed a bit in a listed Cheltenham bumper first time up and is the clear danger.
Ned Hill
Crest Of Stars
American Empire
2m NHF
Each Way terms: 1/4 odds for first 2 places
6. Crest Of Stars
J: Brian HughesT: Anthony Honeyball
F: 9
Price History:
3.50
Age:
4
Weight:
10-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
109
Verdict
€55,000 half-brother to smart hurdler/useful chaser Ashdale Bob, from a good family. 11/1, pitched in deep for debut in the New Year's Day Cheltenham listed bumper and showed a fair bit, just looking short of the pace to land a blow. This is easier and he's entitled to improve.
5. Ned Hill
J: J. HoganT: Fergal O'Brien
F: 4
Price History:
3.25
Age:
5
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
78
Verdict
A 6-figure store from a very good jumping family, was fitted with a tongue strap for debut (having also already had a breathing operation) at Wetherby 12 weeks ago but showed promise, left poorly placed and not beaten far. Seems sure to improve.
1. American Empire
J: Ben BromleyT: Don Cantillon
F: 33
Price History:
2.63
Age:
5
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
69
Verdict
Has taken a keen hold and run to a modest level in 2 bumpers. Those races have thrown up winners but he'll need more to open account himself here.
3. Corra Bheinn
J: Ben JonesT: Ben Pauling
F: 74
Price History:
8.00
Age:
5
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Modest form in Huntingdon bumpers fitted with tongue tie. More required.
4. Exiguus
J: Tom BroughtonT: Nick Kent
F: 4
Price History:
9.00
Age:
5
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
0
Days Since Last Run:
61
Verdict
Looked and shaped as if better for the run on debut over C&D 2 months ago. One for the longer term.