Changing The Guard to keep his form intact in the Don Noble Celebrating 50 Years Handicap Hurdle (Division I)
While winning by twenty-six lengths a week ago, King’s Best’s six-year-old gelding had no idea that he would be sent as the favourite of the Class 4 Don Noble Celebrating 50 Years Handicap Hurdle (Division I) on Sunday, 8th July at Market Rasen over two miles and a furlong.
The race that has attracted eleven four-year and above candidates promises £2,534 prize money for the winner. The entry with the 13 to 8 shot will ride with the regular jockey, Sam Jones.
The six-year-old bay gelding strode into the new season on 5th January, 2012, and since then has participated in three more races. Out of mare, Our Queen Of Kings, it was only during the most recent outing that Changing The Guard put on show his actual potential.
Dr. Richard Newland’s under charge won the FSB Telecom Handicap Hurdle on 1st July, 2012 at Uttoxeter over two miles. It is not that the twenty-six length margin went in his favour because he was led the field right after leaving the stall, rather it was from the fifth position that the six-year-old took on.
It was before the eventual two more furlongs that Changing The Guard had his head at the front of the lot. On the good track on nine hurdles, the closest to finish behind the winner was, Sky Calling, in the field of ten.
Under the ownership of BetterTipster.co.uk, he kick started the season with a second score in the Ludlow Members Club Room Maiden Hurdle on 5th January, 2012 at Ludlow over two miles and five furlongs.
The race was won by Zahirah Moon who kept Changing The Guard adrift by eight lengths.
The two attempts that fall in between the runner-up’s position and the recent success, were a sixth and tenth ranking.
The entry with 4 to 1 chance of claiming the race, Stravita, needs to be looked out for as her last two races look overwhelmingly promising, and her last five races have brought out the unwavering level of consistency. Paired with jockey, A. P. McCoy, her potential for intimidating the line-up today is substantial.
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