Hunter Chase Betting Service

Sat, May 15, 2010

Bangor – Saturday May 15th

VICARIO – Multiple hurdle/chase winner down the years although not as good in 09; has enjoyed the switch to Pointing/Hunter Chasing this season, winning over 2m5f here, finishing second to Cowboyboots in a bog at Haydock over 3m, then winning two Points in effortless fashion at Eyton. Clear form chance but noticeable that all rules wins have been achieved on soft/heavy; stable may have an even stronger contender in the shape of Ice Tea.

BORDER FUSION – Unreliable sort but comes into his own in this race, having won it for the past three seasons, and his whole campaign will surely have been geared around a fourth success. His recent effort (last of three) at Ashorne can easily be forgiven and he simply cannot be ignored in this contest, but the biggest concern may be that Richard Burton (who rode him in 08 and 09) has seemingly jumped ship to ride Ice Tea.

ICE TEA – 138 rated chaser who went badly off the boil in 2009, but back to form with a vengeance this season, readily beating Billyvoddan at Eyton before gamely defeating Turthen (albeit in receipt of 15lbs) over this course and distance. Course, distance and ground all look ideal and although this is his toughest task to date in this sphere, he could well be up to it.

BALLYVOGE – Successful if inconsistent 2m4f/3m performer under Rules and hard to know what he achieved when winning a Confined and an Open this season, particularly in a two runner affair at Sandon over Easter. Clearly in good heart but both his NH and Pointing form is clearly inferior to a couple of these.

BALTRASNA – Moderate and lightly raced performer who finished a poor third in a slowly run Heslaker Ladies a fortnight ago; no chance in this company and presumably only declared in order to keep stablemate Border Fusion company on the journey to the course.

BROOKVIEW LAD – Still a Maiden and finished second over the Point-to-Point course here in March (slower time than the Confined won by Ballyvoge) but limitations badly exposed in Hunter Chases and tilting at windmills in this company.

INCHING CLOSER – A Cheltenham Festival hero back in the day but slow and poor these days; well beaten in a Whittington Confined last time and doesn’t deserve to be embarrassed any further.

VON ORIGNY – Capable Pointer but has had his chances in Hunter Chases and not taken them; well beaten by Border Fusion in this race last year and no real reason to think that he can bridge that gap in what appears to be a much stronger renewal.

Conclusion – Border Fusion comes to life in this race so it would be no surprise if he scores for the fourth consecutive year despite a distinctly indifferent campaign. However, he faces a stronger field than normal especially in the shape of the two McCain runners, and Ice Tea is taken to dethrone the king.

Uttoxeter – Saturday May 15th

KEEPITSECRET – Most recent NH win came over 2m4f off 117 last summer but excelled himself next time when second off 130 in a valuable Market Rasen event; disappointed twice subsequently but no surprise if he takes well to this sphere; has won over 3m1f on fast ground.

LEADING MAN – Stayed well under Rules and winner off 128 at his peak; started his campaign this season slowly but has now won his last two including an impressive success at Perth last time; leading claims on recent form but quickening ground may not be ideal.

CASH IN HAND – Chances in Hunter Chases have been and gone, can’t really be fancied today after some very ordinary efforts this season.

CLUTHE BOY – Mediocre under Rules and has been pulled up in both Hunter Chases, albeit in hot contests at Cheltenham; in good form in Points this season and readily landed a Ladies at Whittington in April, but needs others to underperform to feature here.

PASTEK – Achieved little when winning a three runner Club race four starts ago and has since been generally well held in better company; rider is very inexperienced and the duo can only be watched here.

STAR DOUBLE – Very capable sort in Points and not beaten far in a big field at Dingley a couple of weeks ago, but let down by his jumping more often than not in Hunter Chases and hard to fancy after his efforts in this sphere this term.

THISTLECRAFT – Another who has struggled with his fencing under Rules but put it all together when a remote second to Kadount (easy winner since) at Fakenham last time; chance if putting in a clean round but fairly limited ability-wise these days and a place is probably his best hope.

TOMILLIELOU – Badly out of form of late and has shown temperament; used to be capable under Rules but that was a long time ago.

Conclusion – This should only concern Keepitsecret and Leading Man; the conditions should favour Jonjo’s newcomer better.