GB - Wincanton - Race 2

Thoroughbred

10 Runners

24.7f

Handicap Hurdle

Turf

Good

13.5K

VIEW

Verdict

This step up in trip may benefit AT THE OCHE and he could be the answer under an amateur who boasts a 29% strike rate over hurdles. The unexposed Mr Griffiths will be a huge threat if none the worse for his tumble when bidding for the hat-trick at Doncaster, while Balboa has to enter calculations now upped in trip. Others to consider in a competitive race include the top-weight Jatiluwih and Striking A Pose, who has slipped to an attractive mark.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
7	Runner-up in novice hurdles either side of Ffos Las maiden success during the autumn. Failed to deliver on handicap bow at Kempton but followed that with solid seconds at Leicester and latterly upped to 21.5f at this course. This new trip is worth exploring and he needs considering. 1st Pick 7 At The Oche (Ire) Jockey: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell Trainer: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies J: Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies	99	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Runner-up in novice hurdles either side of Ffos Las maiden success during the autumn. Failed to deliver on handicap bow at Kempton but followed that with solid seconds at Leicester and latterly upped to 21.5f at this course. This new trip is worth exploring and he needs considering.
5	Major improver switched to handicaps since the turn of the year, winning back-to-back races over 3¼m at Fontwell and Warwick before departing at around the halfway point at Doncaster. Remains open to improvement and he's high on the shortlist. 2nd Pick 5 Mr Griffiths (Fr) Jockey: Mr Freddie Robson Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O'neill J: Mr Freddie Robson T: Jonjo & A.J. O'neill	100	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Major improver switched to handicaps since the turn of the year, winning back-to-back races over 3¼m at Fontwell and Warwick before departing at around the halfway point at Doncaster. Remains open to improvement and he's high on the shortlist.
9	Stepped up on his low-key effort here in December when fourth in a pretty strong 8-runner Taunton handicap later that month. Latest third at Newbury (20.5f, heavy) was not so good but this stiffer test could be just what the doctor ordered. 3rd Pick 9 Balboa Jockey: Mr Paddy Barlow Trainer: Seamus Mullins J: Mr Paddy Barlow T: Seamus Mullins	96	-	-	-	13%
Analysis Stepped up on his low-key effort here in December when fourth in a pretty strong 8-runner Taunton handicap later that month. Latest third at Newbury (20.5f, heavy) was not so good but this stiffer test could be just what the doctor ordered.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Firm

A dry turf course, equal to a ‘fast’ dirt track.

Exacta

A bet selecting the first and second horses in a race in the correct order. An exacta box refers to paying a little more to ensure they can finish in either order.

Main Track Only

A horse entered for main track only (MTO) is one hoping the weather forecast or track conditions will move the race off the turf course and onto the main track. They are scratched the morning of the race if the conditions stay dry.