Hunter Chase Betting Service

Sat, Mar 6, 2010

Kelso – Saturday March 6^th

DOC ROW – Game sort and a regular here, with his only chasing success coming over course/distance on soft in November ’08; runner-up off 112 here just a couple of weeks ago, confirming that he remains in good heart. Looks the type who should do well in this grade but whether he can concede weight to the classy Always Right remains to be seen.

FIRST LOOK – Decent at up to 2m4f for Peter Monteith, winning off 124 at Ayr in November ’08, but has yet to beat a rival in two completions for the new yard, including when a remote last of three to Robbers Glen here a couple of weeks ago. Plenty of questions to answer at present and stamina still unproven over this trip.

ALMOST BLUE – Not out of the first two in his last seven starts last season, and triumphed in a minor Hunter Chase over 3m1f (good) last May. Inexplicably ran a complete stinker on his seasonal debut, even taking into account he would have needed the race, so needs to raise his game significantly if he is to have any hope of getting even close to Always Right.

ALWAYS RIGHT – Classy Pointer who would probably have completed a six-timer had he not tipped up when in front at Ayr, then found to be wrong after finishing down the field at Cheltenham. Returned to win a Mordon Confined under 13st1lb, then put away for the season. Young enough to be open to further improvement, runs very well fresh, so is going to be very hard to beat today, even taking into account the trip being on the sharp side.

KNOW THE ROPES – Modest maiden chaser under Rules and went wrong after failing to beat a rival in ’09. Not seen for nearly a year and can’t be fancied against much classier rivals.

Conclusion – Always Right is presumably on the Festival trail again and has been found a good opportunity to make his seasonal debut. He should only need to fear Hunter Chase debutant Doc Row, who is an in-form course & distance specialist.