Dropped 3lb, better expected from Last Shot in Racing Welfare West Country Trainers Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Chase at Wincanton
Despite a 6lb rise for last month’s Exeter success, Smokey George has earned the highest starting price in Racing Welfare West Country Trainers Conditional Jockeys´ Handicap Chase at Wincanton, this Thursday. There is no doubt over his ability to tackle
this weight, but still one should not trust him blindly.
It is going to be a very tough task for Kim Bailey’s horse to go equally well over a longer trip. With Smokey George likely to find things tough, this can go to Last Shot, who has shown good stuff since returning from layoff.
The 5-year-old is expected to show better than what he did here in October. In the Bathwick Tyres Yeovil Handicap Chase, he fell fourth - missing the podium by 11 lengths. In the hands of Aidan Coleman, the Venetia Williams-trained pressed the leader 5 out.
The 7-2 chance had every chance when ridden 4 out.
But he could not maintain the standards until the end, and stayed on same pace in the dying moments. As a result, he was completely unable to challenge the leading runners. It was a disappointing outcome, but he is better than the bare form of his latest
fourth.
No one should judge him on that, as the Basil Richards-owned knows how to secure the first place. A 3lb drop would also help him show a better effort. According to our calculations, the real battle is between Smokey George and Last Shot. We don’t expect
the former one to continue his winning journey with a significant rise, thus the vote goes to Last Shot.
There are six other horses in the pack. Over a distance of two miles and five furlongs, the contestants will be hunting a prize of £3,249. Captain Scarlett is facing a very stiff test, and seems to have no chance whatsoever.
Handtheprizeover is on a winning mark, but cannot be trusted after a 402-day absence. Amirico’s yard has not fired yet. Time Do is unsure to show improvement on drop in trip. Global Warming pulled up last time, and looks short of confidence. Good luck to
all the contenders.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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