The unexposed Hand On Bach has been given a chance by the handicapper and makes plenty of appeal at 10/1 in the 1.00 at Ascot today.
Warren Greatrex’s charge is yet to trouble the judge over hurdles but his runs have not been devoid of promise and he has shown enough to suggest he is capable of winning races.
His best run in novice hurdles came when finishing seventh of 12 to ChetterBox at Newbury where he led until hitti g the fourth last and after being headed three out weakened between the last two flights to be beaten 13 3/4 lengths.
The winner is rated 143, the sceond home Lac Fontana went on to finish eighth in the Triumph Hurdle and is rated 130, and the fifth home Leo Luna went on to score twice and is now rated 135.
That is strong form and resulted in the selection being givcen an opening handicap mark of 117.
He didn’t run too badly off it when 9th of 15 to Baby Shine at Kempton, before disappoiting next time up when well baeten at Newbury.
However he then rounded of last season with a better effort to finish sixth of 15 to Hatters River at Wincanton has has since been dropped another 4lb by the assessor.
That means that he now gets into this off just 105, and that should be more than workable judged on his run behind Chatterbox.
He also looks the type who could do much better in his second season under rules, and with Noel Fenily in the saddle a big run looks on the cards.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Hand On Bach (10/1 BetVictor, Boylesports, Stan James – BOG)
