GB - Cheltenham - Race 3

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

16.4f

Handicap Hurdle

Turf

Good to Soft

27.5K

VIEW

Verdict

THE HARDEST GEEZER has the strongest handicap form on offer, and he may well have the class to defy an 8-month absence. Wondering Why is in good hands and could prove the main threat if picking up where he left off last season. Continuance, Kapitein Kool and Fiveonefive all have recent match fitness on their side and need considering in a competitive renewal.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
5	Strong form when fourth in consecutive 2m handicaps at Ascot/Windsor last winter. Off since taking a tumble in extreme conditions at Newbury in February (labouring at the time). Interesting back in calmer waters, provided he's back on song/tractable on first start in 8 months (can pull hard). 1st Pick 5 The Hardest Geezer (Ire) Jockey: Jack Stenhouse Trainer: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White J: Jack Stenhouse T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White	100	-	-	-	23%
Analysis Strong form when fourth in consecutive 2m handicaps at Ascot/Windsor last winter. Off since taking a tumble in extreme conditions at Newbury in February (labouring at the time). Interesting back in calmer waters, provided he's back on song/tractable on first start in 8 months (can pull hard).
7	Low-mileage maiden hurdle/bumper winner. Back on the up when seeing off a handful of today's rivals to make a successful handicap debut in May (second/third have also won in recent weeks). In the right hands to keep improving and could play a significant hand if ready to roll. 2nd Pick 7 Wondering Why (Ire) Jockey: Elliott England Trainer: Ben Pauling J: Elliott England T: Ben Pauling	98	-	-	-	25%
Analysis Low-mileage maiden hurdle/bumper winner. Back on the up when seeing off a handful of today's rivals to make a successful handicap debut in May (second/third have also won in recent weeks). In the right hands to keep improving and could play a significant hand if ready to roll.
6	Free-going sort. Runner-up in useful C&D handicap last December prior a solid third at Sandown. Hasn't quite scaled those heights in his summer campaign, though his only blip among 4 recent in-frame efforts came in a typically competitive Summer Hurdle. On a handy mark if recapturing his best. 3rd Pick 6 Continuance Jockey: Harry Atkins Trainer: Martin Keighley J: Harry Atkins T: Martin Keighley	99	-	-	-	17%
Analysis Free-going sort. Runner-up in useful C&D handicap last December prior a solid third at Sandown. Hasn't quite scaled those heights in his summer campaign, though his only blip among 4 recent in-frame efforts came in a typically competitive Summer Hurdle. On a handy mark if recapturing his best.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Sloppy

A wet racetrack condition, typically with a firm base and water settling on top.

Fractions

The times recorded during the race; with timing starting just past the gate or when the gates open, then parroted for the quarter, half, three-quarters etc. Used as an indication of ability and speed.

Bug

An apprentice jockey.