Paul Nicholls' BELOW THE RADAR looks to start life in handicaps on an attractive mark so gets a confident vote to retain his unbeaten record in this sphere. C&D scorer Dinons appeals as the one to chase him home ahead of North Parade.
Below The Radar
Dinons
North Parade
2m7f Hcap Hrd
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
1. Dinons
J: Craig NicholT: Brian Ellison
F: 21/1P12
Price History:
-
Age:
11
Weight:
12-2
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
132
Days Since Last Run:
43
Verdict
C&D winner in July and backed it up with a good second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Hexham (23.3f, soft) 43 days ago despite some hurdling errors. Can make his presence felt once more.
2. Wellhavewan
J: Charlie MaggsT: Rebecca Menzies
F: 6126U-05P
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-12
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
128
Days Since Last Run:
35
Verdict
Useful winning hurdler but not at the same level over fences for Willie Mullins. Yet to hit top form in two runs for his current yard this autumn so needs to take a step forward.
3. Curley Finger
J: Nathan MoscropT: Rebecca Menzies
F: 4P91113-0
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-8
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
124
Days Since Last Run:
181
Verdict
A three-time 3m hurdles winner last season but he came in only tenth of 12 in handicap hurdle at Cartmel (25.4f, good to soft) in May. Needs to hit the ground running after 6 months off.
4. Below The Radar
J: Freddie GingellT: Paul Nicholls
F: 111-
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
123
Days Since Last Run:
253
Verdict
Runner-up in 2 points and very much on the up in this sphere, going 2-2 in 2m4f novice here in March. Resumes on a good mark so he's a big player now handicapping.
5. Docpickedme
J: Lilly PinchinT: Richard Hobson
F: 2771PP-66
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-6
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
122
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
Scored over fences at Wetherby in January but disappointing since, coming in last of 6 back hurdling there 23 days ago. Has something to prove.
6. Bill Baxter
J: D. P. DavisT: Warren Greatrex
F: 1/38486U-P
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-5
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
121
Days Since Last Run:
207
Verdict
Winner of the Topham at Aintree in 2023 but has become disappointing and was pulled up in 2m4f Punchestown handicap chase in May. Lots more is required.
7. Icare Allen
J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.T: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
F: PP0-56987
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
10-13
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
115
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
It's now 18 runs since his last win in 2022 and he came in a below-form seventh of 11 in handicap here (19.9f) 23 days ago. Others are preferred.
8. North Parade
J: William MaggsT: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith
F: 111320-94
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
10-7
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
109
Days Since Last Run:
23
Verdict
A three-time 2m4f scorer last term who got back on track when fourth of 11 in handicap hurdle here (19.9f, good to soft) 23 days ago. Needs considering back up in trip.