GB - Wetherby - Race 2

Thoroughbred

12 Runners

16f

Maiden Hurdle

Turf

Soft

13.5K

VIEW

Verdict

Having made the perfect start when landing a C&D novice under hands and heels riding in December, STARMOUNT ultimately found a bad mistake doing him no favours when fourth in Grade 1 company at Aintree on Boxing Day. Remaining with potential, he can make amends back in calmer waters. Fellow penalised runner Kaka's Cousin was a good winner at Catterick over Christmas and rates the lead threat. Hurdle debutants Hourman and Laristote are others worthy of a second look.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
2	Successful on completed start in points and perfect start under Rules when landing a C&D novice under hands and heels riding at the start of last month. Serious error did him no favours when fourth in Aintree Grade 1 on Boxing Day and expected to play a lead role back in calmer waters. 1st Pick 2 Starmount (Ire) Jockey: Ben Jones Trainer: Ben Pauling J: Ben Jones T: Ben Pauling	100	-	-	-	90%
Analysis Successful on completed start in points and perfect start under Rules when landing a C&D novice under hands and heels riding at the start of last month. Serious error did him no favours when fourth in Aintree Grade 1 on Boxing Day and expected to play a lead role back in calmer waters.
1	6-figure buy after finishing second in an Irish point who justified short odds starting out under Rules when impressively landing 6-runner maiden hurdle at Catterick (19.3f) 25 days ago, running green before asserting before last. Looks sure to progress and definite claims under a penalty. 2nd Pick 1 Kaka's Cousin (Ire) Jockey: K. Brogan Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O'neill J: K. Brogan T: Jonjo & A.J. O'neill	84	-	-	-	15%
Analysis 6-figure buy after finishing second in an Irish point who justified short odds starting out under Rules when impressively landing 6-runner maiden hurdle at Catterick (19.3f) 25 days ago, running green before asserting before last. Looks sure to progress and definite claims under a penalty.
4	Masked Marvel gelding who finished a close fourth of 5 in a Hexham bumper (16.2f) on debut back in October, held only late on in a race run at a crawl. Certainly bred to have a future in this sphere but he may have to settle for a minor role on this occasion. 3rd Pick 4 Hourman (Fr) Jockey: Derek Fox Trainer: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore J: Derek Fox T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore	76	-	-	-	4%
Analysis Masked Marvel gelding who finished a close fourth of 5 in a Hexham bumper (16.2f) on debut back in October, held only late on in a race run at a crawl. Certainly bred to have a future in this sphere but he may have to settle for a minor role on this occasion.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Scratch

A horse is a scratch when injury or other necessity causes it to be withdrawn from the race.

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Allowance Race

A race with non-claiming conditions set by the racing secretary. They are meant to be a step down from stakes racing.