Wetherby - Tuesday 17th March 2026
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2:02 PM - Entertain In Style At Wetherby Racecourse Mares' 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)
Point winner Sallyville Lady has yet to open her account over hurdles but she has posted a number of creditable efforts in defeat. Dan Skelton's mare should go close again, as might Biglesisback, who had been knocking at the door prior to being pulled up at Ayr. That being said, a chance can be taken on JOAN'S CHOICE, who would appear to have a big future in this sphere having won a bumper in comfortable fashion at Plumpton in December.
GERYVILLE often reserves his best for this C&D and he remains competitively treated from 7lb higher than when winning here last time. William Cody went close at Southwell most recently and the consistent gelding is expected to run well once more along with the in-form No But I Will. Also keep in mind Rath Gaul Hill, who has the assistance of Sean Bowen for the first time.
Berry Edge bolted up over C&D last time out and he merits respect with that performance still fresh in the memory. An 8lb rise shouldn't be a barrier to further success, but the inclusion of ICE JET might be. The Phoenix Of Spain gelding enters handicaps from what looks a workable mark and it would come as no surprise were he to progress. Roland Garros can chase the pair home.
This looks to be between the two recent winners, with KALHANDRION boasting the strongest form. Richard Hobson's charge made every yard to land a higher grade chase at Exeter last month and a 4lb rise doesn't look insurmountable in this company. The Grey Man will likely give the selection the most to think about arriving on the back of an easy win at Ffos Las, while Eaton Anne makes more appeal than Jack To Bat of the remaining pair.
Libre De Choeur won a shade cosily at Ffos Las to open his account over hurdles. He has scope for further improvement, but HAWTHORN STREET is another unexposed type likely to make a bold bid. The son of Flemensfirth landed a maiden hurdle at Catterick last month and should have more to offer now handicapping with his yard in fine form of late. Tiger Orchid and Ladronne revert to hurdling off lower marks with the former marginally preferred.
It could pay to stick with the promising MINELLA PREMIER in this. The point-to-point winner scored with plenty left in the tank at Fontwell on his Rules debut and Charlie Maggs' 3lb allowance further helps his cause. Peace Belle could improve on her recent third at Newcastle and may feature, while L'unique Allen and stablemate Mr Maximillian are worth noting given Olly Murphy's yard has won three of the last four renewals of this race.
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2:02 PM - Entertain In Style At Wetherby Racecourse Mares' 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)
Biglesisback sets the standard on form and boasts an experience edge on her rivals. If she is forgiven her latest run where she was outstayed over 3m she holds strong claims but it is SALLYVILLE LADY who is marginally preferred. The point winner has shaped with promise in all of her starts so far including when placed behind more experienced rivals in a handicap last time. If she settles better down in trip she can defeat Joan's Choice who starts out over hurdles having won a bumper last time. The form of that contest has been franked and she should have more to offer over this longer distance.
ARTHUR'S QUAY has dropped a couple of pounds below his last winning mark but has been running into form this term so could gain a first victory of the season here. The step back up in trip and quicker surfaces are big positives which can help him see off the equally well treated veteran William Cody who has proven consistent but has become frustrating to follow. Of those at bigger prices Rath Gaul Hill makes some minor appeal off a much reduced mark. He hinted that his ability remains on his reappearance and though he's been struggling since the step up in trip could suit. Blinkers go on and a revival isn't ruled out under Sean Bowen.
This could be dominated by some dual purpose performers. Last time out C&D winner Berry Edge is likely to prove popular as he had a bit in hand that day but he beat very little and has gone up 8lb. ASHDOWN FOREST arrives on the back of a wind op having shaped with promise in all of his juvenile hurdle starts to date. Though he never won in his short Flat career he was a consistent stayer which makes him look on a generous mark in this discipline. He is taken to defeat bottom weight Ice Jet who has also undergone a wind op. He placed over middle distances on the Flat in Ireland and though he is yet to take to hurdling he should be capable of better now handicapping for a top stable.
All of the quartet can be given a chance here. The Grey Man was an impressive winner last time in a small field and has only gone up 4lb but he did beat very little last time and this looks a much tougher contest. Kalhandrion showed the benefit of first time cheekpieces when winning last time and a 4lb rise looks fair given the form has been boosted. However it may be worth taking a chance on EATON ANNE who proved his stamina for 3m when midfield on his chase debut. He has slipped to a dangerous mark based on his hurdle form and the point winner should have more to offer in this sphere with cheekpieces applied.
An open race where a host of the field can be given a chance. It is the unexposed HAWTHORN STREET who appeals most though having shed his maiden tag last time over 3m. The form of that race has been boosted since by the runner up and he now looks well treated stepping into handicaps with an easy lead possible. Ladronne has a decent record at this venue and has been thriving of late over fences running some of the best races in his career. He returns to hurdling off a much lower mark so has to be of serious interest on favourable drying ground. Into The Park has proven frustrating of late but he did rally from an unpromising position last time suggesting he was ready for this step up in trip. He is well treated judged on his reappearance run and if the first time blinkers can sharpen him up early he will play a part in the finish.
This could be fought out by previous winners MINELLA PREMIER and Peace Belle. The mare is respected given her debut victory has been boosted and she proved she could be competitive under a penalty last time. However the former showed a willing attitude to beat a well backed highly regarded rival first time out so should be able to follow up. The form of his point victory has also been franked so he should have more to offer under rules. Superior Queen showed a willing attitude when runner up last time and should appreciate this stiffer track. She can fill the places.
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