I used to think February was a bit of a dull month when it came to the racing, but actually I’m changing my opinion…it’s not half bad.
As well as the races already covered in this edition, we also the decent Newbury Saturday card on February 13 that includes the Denman Chase, Betfair Exchange Chase (Game Spirit) and the Betfair Hurdle. It’s that last named race I’m going to focus on now in more detail.
Generally, one of the most competitive handicap hurdles on the calendar, this Grade Three contest is run over 2m 1/2f and is always well-supported by the big National Hunt yards – backed up in recent years with the Paul Nicholls, Nigel Twiston-Davies and Nicky Henderson stables winning six of the last nine renewals between them.
So, what are the other main trends to look for?
Weight – Being a handicap weight carried is, of course, worth considering. ALL of the last 18 winners carried 11st 8lbs or less, which will be the bulk of the runners, but we can take this trend a bit further with 10 of the last 18 carrying 10st 9lbs or less. However, a small word of caution here as this weight trend could be taking a turn in the other direction as the last four winners all carried 11st 1lb or more, with 6 of the last 9 also ticking that stat.
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton