Hunter Chase Betting Service

Thu, May 13, 2010

Ludlow – Thursday May 13th

CEDRUS LIBANI – Barely stays 3m so odds-on defeat at Woodford under a semi-fit Richard Burton wasn’t a disaster; prior to that had carried all before him in a couple of course/distance Hunter Chases (both on good/soft). This faster ground will not be a concern and he looks the one to beat under his new rider (Burton still crocked) despite conceding 8lbs all round.

CHEEKY LAD – Non-runner

LITTLE ROCKER – Decent sub 3m Hunter Chaser on his day but thoroughly indolent this season and has been beaten a minimum of 26L when completing; also fell in the Aintree Fox Hunters (Sam Waley-Cohen must have had a brainstorm when agreeing to partner him), which surely would have worsened his already-filthy mood. Not completely out of the question that he could bounce back at some point, but readily opposable at present.

WHATABOUTYA – Consistent fast ground chaser in Ireland who failed to finish in his first two Hunter Chases, but it all came right over this course and distance last time when he readily defeated Distant Thunder (winner since); open to further improvement in this sphere and likely to give Cedrus Libani a race.

EMOTIONAL ARTICLE – Best at around this trip in Ireland and rated a lofty 140 after finishing a close third in a Grade 3 in 2009, but went downhill very quickly and has been well beaten by Cedrus Libani and Whataboutya in a couple of efforts over course and distance this season; minor place claims at the very best.

FAIRWOOD PRESENT – Beat Church Island by 20L in a 2m4f Kilbeggan chase in May 2005 (his sole run over fences, previously sixth in the Coral Cup) but disappeared following an outing on the Flat a week later and only resurfaced in Points last season. Not disgraced but was clearly a complete non-stayer over 3m and it was a similar story in his Members on his return. Subject of a plunge here last time but weakened in the home straight after racing prominently. May have needed the race, still seems to want to try and not a complete no-hoper in this company.

HOCINAIL – Hard pulling, wayward sort who got off the mark in a youngsters’ Maiden at Bonvilston late last month, in which he jumped boldly from the front and never saw another rival; this is a much different kettle of fish and although he is open to improvement in this sphere others make more appeal.

ORVITA – Possesses plenty of ability but always inclined to make stupid errors and has been a non-finisher in four of his last five outings; not totally disgraced here last time but can’t be fancied until he sorts his fencing out.

REDSKYATNIGHT – Moderate and exposed performer who has had plenty of chances in Maidens; hopelessly outclassed at Cheltenham last week and can only be watched.

SO MANY QUESTIONS – Fast ground winner in Ireland in 07 but disappointed badly when shipped over here and missed 2008 and 2009; dead-heated for second with Emotional Article in his Members on his comeback, which wasn’t a bad effort, but pulled up in a Confined next time and can only be watched after that performance.

Conclusion – Hard to look beyond Cedrus Libani and Whataboutya here; the O’Neill contender looked to have turned over a new leaf when winning here last time and the 8lbs he receives from the favourite (who has had a long season) could prove decisive.