CELTIC NED has dropped in the weights and could have a bigger effort in him over fences now fitted with blinkers. He gets the vote over Pescatorius and J'Habite En France who are closely matched on their recent Huntingdon running.
Celtic Ned
Pescatorius
Jhabite En France
Win or Each Way
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
5. Pescatorius
J: Bradley HarrisT: Harriet Dickin
F: 8-0771U42
Price History:
3.50
Age:
6
Weight:
10-10
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
82
Days Since Last Run:
18
Verdict
Capitalised on drop in the weights when getting off the mark in 2m novice handicap chase at Catterick in December and just failed despite a tendency to jump left at Huntingdon (J'Habite En France third) last time. Back on left-handed track now and respected.
3. Jhabite En France
J: Stan SheppardT: Ben Case
F: 0-PP65143
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-2
Gear:
blinkers and tongue strap
Official Rating:
88
Days Since Last Run:
18
Verdict
Has got back on track over fences this year, readily landing 2m Huntingdon handicap in January and returning to form under a forceful ride there last time. Not taken lightly off the same mark.
2. Celtic Ned
J: Niall HoulihanT: Gary & Josh Moore
F: 62477-446
Price History:
4.50
Age:
7
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
95
Days Since Last Run:
15
Verdict
Fair hurdler who went well for a long way in one of these handicaps at Wincanton in November, jumping better having been ridden with more restraint. Possibly needed his first run since at Fontwell a fortnight ago and interesting back down in trip with blinkers reached for.
1. Taxus Baccata
J: Jack QuinlanT: Matt Crawley
F: 1-374
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
100
Days Since Last Run:
27
Verdict
Hasn't yet fulfilled her bumper promise over hurdles but this Irish point winner is likely to show more of what she's about now handicapping over fences.
6. Spicy Nelson
J: Freddie GingellT: Joe Tizzard
F: 6P/9P5-537
Price History:
9.00
Age:
7
Weight:
9-13
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
74
Days Since Last Run:
90
Verdict
Cost quite a bit but no better than poor form over hurdles, looking awkward as he dropped away at Fontwell when last seen in December. Now tries chasing in different headgear.
4. Birdman Bob
J: Ben JonesT: Andy Irvine
F: U2P6-8435
Price History:
7.00
Age:
8
Weight:
11-0
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
86
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
A regular here, successful on his return in November 2023 and plenty of good efforts since, shaping better than the distance beaten over C&D 4 weeks ago. Down another 2 lb but this looks tough.
9. Elzaaro
J: Marc GoldsteinT: Karen Jewell
F: 8/5446-PP8
Price History:
21.00
Age:
7
Weight:
9-9
Gear:
visor
Official Rating:
74
Days Since Last Run:
32
Verdict
Poor maiden jumper. Visor tried.
10. Cant Buy Time
J: Tabitha WorsleyT: Cynthia Woods
F: 6PP-P4PP7
Price History:
51.00
Age:
6
Weight:
9-8
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
74
Days Since Last Run:
32
Verdict
Little solid form over hurdles/fences.
7. Clondaw Robin
J: Ellis CollierT: Andy Irvine
F: 43-545344
Price History:
26.00
Age:
12
Weight:
9-11
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
74
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
Veteran still winless over fences (just 1-40 overall) and probably set for another struggle judged on recent efforts.
8. The Last Melon
J: Will FeatherstoneT: James Bennett
F: 7P8
Price History:
67.00
Age:
13
Weight:
9-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
74
Days Since Last Run:
32
Verdict
Poor veteran. Off almost 4 years prior to this season and switch to chasing now looks the last throw of the dice.