There are few stables going through a better run of form at present than that of Venetia Williams’, with the Herefordshire-based handler sending out a number of big-race winners in the last few weeks. She aims to continue this run with a quartet of hopefuls on Lingfield’s Tuesday card, and our racing expert has assessed their individual chances. Check this out, along with a bet365 sign up offer that provides £50 in Free Bets when you bet £10.
TOKYO LIVE – (1.00, Download The At The Races App Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle) 5/1
Ran well in defeat in two of three completed races (fell in the other) for Francois Nicolle last year, joining current connections after a fourth at Dieppe in July.
Not unfancied at 9/2 for an Exeter maiden hurdle on last month’s stable debut yet he failed to beat a rival home, finishing last of 11 finishers; beaten 65l.
That was clearly not his true running, and interesting that connections pitch him straight into handicaps on the back of it. Difficult to gauge how well/poorly handicapped he is yet heavy ground won’t inconvenience and Ned Fox claims a handy 8lb, so the market should provide a good guide on what to expect.
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SNUFF BOX – (2.10, Ultimate Cheltenham Festival Guide On attheraces.com/cheltenham Handicap Chase) 11/4
Cut little ice in his first two starts this season, finishing seventh on each occasion, yet he was much improved back on heavy ground at Bangor last time, galloping on resolutely to ultimately score by 20l.
That margin of victory was somewhat exaggerated by the final fence fall of Clondaw Promise (Snuff Box may well have won anyway), yet it still brought Snuff Box’s form figures on genuinely heavy ground to 21462131 (3/8).
Must therefore be respected on his favoured surface for all that his three handicap wins have come off marks of 120, 121 and 121, and his record in handicaps off 122 or higher (runs off 126 here) currently reads 0-11.
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CRAAN RUN – (2.45, Off The Fence On youtube.com/attheraces Mares’ Maiden Hurdle) 13/2
Winner of one of four points for Colin Bowe, chasing home a subsequent winner in Kates Hill on her final start for the yard.
Subsequently sold for £15,000 and has been limited to the sole start for current connections, failing to beat a rival home; beaten 50l, in an Exeter bumper on debut last month.
Clearly better was expected there (sent off 13/2) and going up in trip for her hurdles debut should suit, yet others in this line-up currently look more reliable propositions.
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FRENCHY DU LARGE – (3.20, At The Races App Expert Tips Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase) 7/2
120-rated hurdler who got no further than the second fence on his chase/seasonal debut at Carlisle in November. Has put any jumping queries to bed with impressive victories at Uttoxeter and Chepstow the last twice, winning with plenty more in hand than the 1l winning margin suggests last time.
The 4lb rise received for that looks far from excessive, whilst he has previous won on heavy ground over hurdles, so conditions will pose no concerns.
Yet to run beyond 2m5f under rules but not expected to have stamina concerns and therefore is a must for the shortlist here.
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