Hunter Chase Betting Service

Tue, May 11, 2010

Newton Abbot – Tuesday May 11th

BLUE TEEN – 132-rated novice chaser who made a useful start to his Hunter Chasing career when scoring by a wide margin at Sandown, then excelled himself when finishing a fine third in the Fox Hunters at Aintree. This trip on quickening ground would probably be on the sharp side but it is not a major concern; concedes 18lbs+ to all of his rivals but no surprise if class shines through.

DISTANT THUNDER – Classy handicapper in the past (close third at Cheltenham in 2007) and took well to Points last season, winning two of the season’s four National Classics; well below best in his first two starts this season but better of late and his second at Ludlow last time out was a decent effort. Decent chance at the weights but rather onepaced these days which could count against him on this sharp track.

DUTCH BILL – Capable sort on his day but well beaten in his last two Hunter Chases here, including when a remote eighth in this race last season; has not been showing an awful amount of zest of late and others make more appeal at these weights.

DOOF – Useful performer at this level when on song, as he proved when third in this race last year and especially when splitting Drybrook Bedouin and Sericina at Taunton a month ago. Disappointed next time at Ascot but his run at Vauterhill last time out can be forgotten as his rider lost her irons and had to pull up. Infrequent winner but just about the pick of the weights and looks attractively priced at the time of writing.

RYEMAN – Ran a cracker in the two-miler at Cheltenham’s Hunter Chase night last week for the second year running although typically found nothing off the bridle; prior to that finished second over this course and distance. Conditions in his favour and gets to race off a featherweight, but generally does not want to win and likely to find one too good yet again.

SOME TIMBERING – Dual heavy ground chase winner in Ireland over the minimum trip but has not been showing the same level of form in this country; showed plenty of promise when second in the mud at Bangor in February but has been beaten a minimum of 29L since and conditions are going to be plenty quick enough here.

Conclusion – Doof is the pick of the weights but is extremely difficult to win with, he is attractively priced but may be one for the forecast behind the classy Blu Teen, who has shown top-class Hunter Chase form this season and should be up to defying top-weight.