Jump Racing; 18th Jan

[Lars]

15:00 Southwell This is a warm enough race, with a few who are unexposed in handicap company or at this 3m trip, one that isn’t really one of the two, but should have a good chance is Elliott Coopers Wor Rom, who seems overpriced at a double figure price. The 7yo has won on three occasions under rules, once in a bumper and then twice in hurdle company. Both of those hurdle wins have come when running at around today’s trip of 3m, including a course and distance success here at Southwell. That performance came in Novice Handicap company, off a mark of 80 (officially 10lbs higher than he runs off today) but it was a very decent run, winning fairly easily after a race-winning move 2f out. He showed his well-being by winning under a penalty 8 days later at Huntingdon. It wasn’t as stylish a success, but he won cosily enough. He was then given a summer break. His reappearance effort (off a mark of 92) was a pretty poor showing, but he was entitled to need the run and he followed up that run after an absence with a very strong showing when last seen a week ago. He was running over 2m6f that day, which was probably on the sharp side, but kept on well, and seemingly was only beaten for toe by two rivals who preferred the sharper trip. He was in the group of 4 that pulled 30 odd lengths clear of the rest of the field, so it was a very nice performance, and he gets to run off that mark again today. Before that run, there would have to be some doubts about the ground, having never run any sort of race when going over soft ground, both his wins coming when the conditions were “good”. The fact he ran such a decent race on a softer surface, helps to allay some concerns over whether he’d like today’s ground. The fact that his last race was only 7 days ago hopefully won’t be a problem; he’s run good races in quick succession before so should be able to do so again. I still think Wor Rom is progressing nicely, and should go very well back up in trip to 3miles, which seems his optimum trip. He likes the Southwell track, having won on his only visit and the jockey claiming 7lbs is also fairly handy, he should also like the ground conditions. I have him at around a 6/1 shot, so the small drift to 10/1 (mainly due to the favourite being heavily backed overnight) makes the current price fairly appealing. I can see him running a bold race today, and am hopeful of a good performance. Wor Rom; 1.5pts EW @ 10/1 Paddy Power (BOG)

[punterpete]

Re: Jump Racing; 18th Jan 2.30 Southwell Sanctuary ew @ sp Showed some ability on the flat but then seemed to lose his way. If taking to hurdles could spring a suprise here. Makes his debut for Scudamore today since miving over from Brian Smarts and may change the luck for new yard wjo have not been fireing of late.