Worcester

Tuesday, May 6, 2025HurdleClass 42m7f

Verdict

Course scorer EBONY WARRIOR should have more to offer on only his second venture into handicaps so looks the way to go here. The returning Earth King could emerge as the main danger for his in-form handler, although Shantou Express and Ernest Gray both command respect too in an open handicap.

Ebony Warrior
Earth King
Shantou Express

2m7f Hcap Hrd

Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places

1. Icare Allen
J: Benjamin MaceyT: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill
F: 98717290-
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
12-2
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
122
Days Since Last Run:
25
Verdict
Scored at Uttoxeter in November but he isn't proving the easiest to catch right and came in just 11th in handicap hurdle at Ayr (3m) 25 days ago. Others appeal more.
2. Party Business
J: Charlie ToddT: Ian Williams
F: P773PP57-
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
117
Days Since Last Run:
38
Verdict
It's now 16 runs since his last win in 2022 and he came in a below-form seventh of 12 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (23.3f, good to soft) 38 days ago. He's hard to warm to.
3. Ebony Warrior
J: Kielan WoodsT: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
F: 5/3122231-
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-11
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
117
Days Since Last Run:
40
Verdict
Course winner who also bagged 5-runner novice hurdle (5/6) at Warwick (21f, good) 40 days ago. Can go very well again on just his second run in handicap company.
4. Earth King
J: Harry CobdenT: Neil Mulholland
F: 5PP/14581-
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
116
Days Since Last Run:
196
Verdict
Resumed winning ways in 13-runner handicap hurdle at Exeter (23.1f, good to soft) in October. Off since but he can't be discounted with his yard going well.
5. Ernest Gray
J: Tom CannonT: Alan King
F: 7142/652P-
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-10
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
116
Days Since Last Run:
143
Verdict
Failed to build on a good Warwick second when pulled up in handicap hurdle at Doncaster (24.4f, good to soft) in December. Since had a wind op so not discounted off a lenient mark with cheekpieces replacing a visor.
6. Shantou Express
J: Ciaran GethingsT: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls
F: 976/P6243-
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
11-8
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
114
Days Since Last Run:
24
Verdict
On a losing run but he posted a solid third of 7 in handicap hurdle at Bangor (23.2f, good) 24 days ago. One for the shortlist.
7. Rockadenn
J: David BassT: Max Comley
F: R8/652-
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
11-7
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
113
Days Since Last Run:
40
Verdict
Useful hurdler/chaser at his best for previous yards and showed more than previously for current yard in first-time cheekpieces when runner-up at at Southwell (24.3f, good) in March. Needs to back that up here.
8. Butlers Brief
J: Jonathan BurkeT: Alastair Ralph
F: 6P6731P9-
Price History:
-
Age:
10
Weight:
11-4
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
110
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Scored at Bangor in October but well below par at Warwick and Wetherby since, though he might have needed the run after 4 months off on latter occasion. This C&D scorer is no forlorn hope.
9. Halifax
J: Ben JonesT: Grace Harris
F: 6/1323554-
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
11-3
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
109
Days Since Last Run:
215
Verdict
Won 3m Kempton handicap hurdle last May and largely in good form after. Not ruled out on his return from 7 months off here.
10. Slip Of The Tongue
J: Toby WynneT: Sarah-Jayne Davies
F: 9/8PPPP48-
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
10-12
Gear:
blinkers and tongue strap
Official Rating:
104
Days Since Last Run:
22
Verdict
Ended time with Padraig Roche in Ireland out of sorts and has fared no better for current connections this season. Easy to look elsewhere.
Unnamed Favourite
Unnamed 2nd Favourite

Worcester

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