4:05pm The Virgin Bet Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) 2m 3f 173y

THE VIRGIN BET NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (GBB RACE)

for novice four yrs old and upwards x Total race value £11000

Owners Prize Money. 1st £4298, 2nd £2150, 3rd £1074, 4th £538, 5th £280, 6th £280. (Penalty Value £5609.38) FORM ANALYSIS - A CLOSER LOOK | FACTS | FANCIES | FORM | STATS |

Leading course trainer (17-22): C Tizzard (12 wins from 91 runners, 13%) runs WHYDAH GALLY

Trainer-in-form (last 14 days): C Gordon (5 wins from 19 runners, 26%) runs STRAIGHT SWAP

Longest Traveller: SPIKE JONES trained by S Drinkwater, Strensham, 125 miles.

J Jockey T Trainer O Owner B Breeder S Sponsor Br Breeding

colours no horse age st-lb

1 ROYAL PRETENDER (FR) (58) 62-1123

Br Br g Great Pretender (IRE) - Robinia Directa (GER)

6 11-12

Tom Cannon J

O Mrs R. J. Skan

Alan King, Barbury Castle T B E.A.R.L. Haras Du Taillis Hare Group Ltd S TIMEFORM VIEW Doubled his tally for the season at Plumpton in November and has run creditably in defeat since, third at Taunton a couple of months ago. Should give another good account. TFRHHHII BHA124

2 MISTER WATSON (GB) (37) 24-2515

Br B g Mawatheeq (USA) - Island Odyssey

8 11-12

Luca Morgan (5) J

O The JP Girls

Ben Pauling, Bourton-on-the-Water T B Mrs J. M. Quy Jeremy Houghton - Houghtonart, Fitzdares Club S TIMEFORM VIEW Fairly useful hurdler who upped his game to score at Lingfield in December, then underperformed in tough underfoot conditions at Haydock 37 days later. Could get back on track with cheekpieces tried. TFRHHHII BHA124

3 PEEJAYBEE (FR) (25) 1-132 BF

Br Ch g Ballingarry (IRE) - Playa du Charmil (FR)

6 11-10

James Bowen J O Martin Gowing and Paul Booker Richard Spencer, Newmarket T B SCEA Ecurie Brindor & SCEA Du Claux Rebel Racing Ltd, Direct Commercial Ltd S TIMEFORM VIEW Bumper/maiden hurdle winner, and almost added to that tally when a smooth-travelling second at Doncaster on handicap debut. More to come, so boasts leading claims. TFRHHHHH BHA122

4 WHYDAH GALLY (GB) (16) 64F-321 D

Br B g Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) - Reverse Swing O Sam’s Crew

6 11-9

Brendan Powell J Colin Tizzard, Sherborne T B Grace & Samuel Hockenhull Coral Racing Limited S TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage 6-y-o who confirmed previous promise when off the mark over hurdles in a handicap at Wincanton last month, staying on well. Another solid showing is on the cards. TFRHHHHI BHA121

5 GARINCHA (IRE) (30) 53-4012 D

Br B g Ask - Mandy Winger

6 11-5

Aidan Coleman J

O Mr R Flower and Dajam

Neil Mulholland, Limpley Stoke T B Mr K. D. Cotter Bet UK / Game Tech Marketing Limited S TIMEFORM VIEW Left previous form behind when powering through to score at Wetherby in December. Good second to Straight Swap at Chepstow last time, and may well turn the tables with that rival. TFRHHHHI BHA117

6 WHISTLEINTHEDARK (IRE) (54) 324-21

Br B g Fame And Glory - Last of Many (IRE) O Mr Greenfingers Syndicate

7 11-3

Kevin Brogan (3) J Richard Hawker, Frome T

B Mrs Kathleen McKeever TIMEFORM VIEW Placed in Irish points and has a progressive profile over hurdles, off the mark at the first attempt for this yard in a novice at Plumpton 54 days ago. Notable handicap debutant. TFRHHHHI BHA115

7 STRAIGHT SWAP (IRE) (30) 0020-51

Br B or Br g Yeats (IRE) - Alittlebitofheaven O Ward-Thomas & Dennis

7 11-0

Joshua Moore J Chris Gordon, Winchester T B Donal & Pat Barnwell Equestrian Fencing & Timber Ltd S TIMEFORM VIEW Low-mileage 7-y-o who gained what looked an unlikely success at Chepstow (19.5f, heavy) a month ago, showing abundant stamina to get on top close home. Not certain to back that up. TFRHHHII BHA112

8 SPIKE JONES (GB) (22) 21533 5 10-7

Br B g Walk In The Park (IRE) - Mathine (FR) Danny Burton (5) J O Drinkwater Family & Cheltenham Boys Samuel Drinkwater, Strensham T B Mr J. L. Lightfoot TIMEFORM VIEW Bumper winner who has shown fair form when third in maiden hurdles at Ffos Las and Sedgefield (hood on). Considered now going into handicaps. TFRHHHII BHA105

B Mr W. C. Moore TIMEFORM VIEW Winning pointer who left previous hurdling form behind when scoring with something to spare in a 17-runner Taunton handicap a fortnight ago. Could do better still, so one to have in mind up in grade. TFRHHHII BHA104

DECLARED RUNNERS 9 2021:NO CORRESPONDING RACE LAST YEAR

Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn first time by No. 2. Hood worn by No. 8. Stewards Note: MISTER WATSON: Following its run on 30/12/2021 it was reported that the horse struggled in a high class of race. Probable S.P’s: 3-1 Peejaybee (FR), 9-2 Whydah Gally (GB), 6-1 Garincha (IRE), 9-1 Royal Pretender (FR), Whistleinthedark (IRE), 10-1 Straight Swap (IRE), 12-1 Love Actually (IRE), 18-1 Spike Jones (GB), 20-1 Mister Watson (GB)

PLAY SMARTER PEEJAYBEE was a warm order for his handicap debut at Doncaster and, while he found one too good, the way he travelled suggests he’s well capable of defying this sort of mark, so he takes marginal preference over Whistleinthedark, who has improved with each run over hurdles to this point. The thriving Garincha also merits consideration.

TIMEFORM PREDICTION: 1.PEEJAYBEE (FR) 2.WHISTLEINTHEDARK (IRE) 3.GARINCHA (IRE)

RACE RESULT

1ST

2ND RACE TIME DISTANCE

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