FOURTH RACE 3.17

THE VIRGIN BET MARES’ NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Race Qualifier) (GBB RACE) for novice four yrs old and upwards fillies and mares ™ Total prize fund £8000 Owners Prize Money. 1st £3338, 2nd £1670, 3rd £834, 4th £418.

(Penalty Value £4356.80)

Leading course trainer (17-22): D Skelton (22 wins from 130 runners, 17%) runs VICKI VALE

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): D Skelton (7 wins from 35 runners, 20%) runs VICKI VALE colours no horse age st-lb

Longest Traveller: WESTERN SAFIRE trained by L Morgan, Waltham On The Wolds, 136 miles.

1 VICKI VALE (IRE) (30) 2-1P24

6 11-9

Br B m Westerner - Byerley Sophie (IRE) Bridget Andrews J

O Bullen-Smith & Faulks Dan Skelton, Alcester T

B Byerley Stud Ltd Ladbrokes, The Air Ambulance Service (Warwickshire & Northamptonshire) S

TIMEFORM VIEW Taking winner on hurdles debut in November Better than result when pulled up in Grade 1 Challow over Christmas and her 2 subsequent efforts confirm she’s quite useful. This looks a very good opportunity for a second win. TFRHHHHH BHA120

2 WESTERN SAFIRE (IRE) (35) 021 D

5 11-9

Br B m Westerner - Silver Sophfire Patrick Cowley (3) J

O Miss C. Williamson L J Morgan, Waltham On The Wolds T

B Mrs O. O’Leary Lucey

TIMEFORMVIEWShowedabilityinpairofbumpersforMartinKeighleyandmadeasuccessfulhurdles/stabledebutafter 8 months off at Uttoxeter (2m) a month ago. That was a poor contest but she’s likely to improve.

3 CECI WELLS (GB) (26) 6

6 11-2

TFRHHHII BHA-

Br B m Orientor - Theatrical Dancer Daryl Jacob J

O Mrs & Exors the Late Mr Philip C. Smith Paul Webber Banbury T

B Mr Philip C. Smith & Mrs Joyce W. Smith Philip C Smith Commercials Ltd, Fairfax Saddles S

TIMEFORM VIEW Offered little at up to 13f on the Flat and same story on recent hurdles debut. Cheekpieces on.

TFRHIIII BHA-

4 ELIZA DOLITTLE (IRE) (87) 66

5 11-2

Br B m Califet (FR) - Cove (IRE) James Davies J

O Mr Michael O’Shea Nick Gifford, Findon T

B P. Connell Avtrade Limited S

TIMEFORM VIEW Stoutly bred and shaped like a stayer in a brace of bumpers. Kept to 2m for hurdles debut.

TFRHHHII BHA-

5 FIRST VENTURE (IRE) (82) 1PP

5 11-2

Br B m Soldier of Fortune (IRE) - Be My Gesture (IRE) Ben Poste J

O DahlBury Racing Tom Symonds, Hentland T

B Ms P. Duggan Simply Stunning Interiors S

TIMEFORM VIEW Narrow winner of sole start between the flags but has shaped like one with problems under Rules.

6 ZESTFUL (GB) (43) 1 D

TFRHIIII BHA-

4 10-13

Br B f Postponed (IRE) - Heart’s Content (IRE) Sam Twiston-Davies J

O Martin Keighley Racing Partnership 16 Martin Keighley, Cheltenham T

B Godolphin FBC Manby Bowdler S

TIMEFORM VIEWPostedbesteffortonlevelwhensecondof10inhandicapatSouthwell(14.1f)inJanuary Hoodedandcontinued good work when making winning hurdles debut at Catterick last month. Should have more to offer

7 CRAZY MAISIE (IRE) (29) 4 10-6

TFRHHHHI BHA-

Br B f Belardo (IRE) - Circleofinfluence (USA) Jack Hogan (5) J

O Mr Alexander Bangs Mark Hoad, Lewes T

B Oghill House Stud & Joseph M. Burke

TIMEFORM VIEW Fair handicapper on Flat, stays 1 1/2m, made frame all 3 starts in 2023. Starts out at an ordinary level over hurdles against her own sex. TFRHHHII BHA-

DECLARED RUNNERS 7 2022: MALAKAHNA (FR) 4 10 6 Charlie Todd 8-11 (Ian Williams) 7 ran Hood worn by No 6. Tongue Strap worn by No 1. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No 3.

Probable S.P’s: 10-11 Vicki Vale (IRE), 5-2 Zestful (GB), 7-1 Western Safire (IRE), 22-1 Crazy Maisie (IRE), 25-1 Eliza Dolittle (IRE), 150-1 First Venture (IRE), 250-1 Ceci Wells (GB)

VICKI VALE is back against her own sex for the first time since making an easy winning debut at Hereford and this looks a good chance for her to go in again. Zestful is the obvious danger

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