Worcester 5.15 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 6 - Division 1 - 2 miles 7 furlongs - Good (watered) been some rogu heavy showers around over the weekend.

 

At the top of the market is a very strong looking pair in Hattab and Layerthorpe but there are a couple at bigger prices that really jumped off the page at me.

 

Of the more fancied pair I most prefer Layerthorpe, so I'll include that in my main Tricast Perm of the 3 horses and play a few lines with Hattab too, just a few quid seeking a nice pot.

 

In terms of selections I'll have 1/2 point each way with enhanced places on the following pair.

 

JAMESAINTPATRICK is a 3 mile P2P winner, has won under Rues off a mark of 106, seems out of form but the type to revive off this falling mark and with proven form on the soft side of Good and on Soft and with plenty of proven stamina, I think a mar of 100 with the somewhat under-rated Jack Quinlan riding for Amy Murphy whets my appetite.

 

JONJOELA probably needed the run last time after a short break, is in my Tracker for runs prior to that and having won off marks of 74 and then coping comfortably with a rise to a mark of 82 and 85 that delivered fine runner-up efforts, I think this mark today of 84 is absolutely spot on. Another with proven stamina and not reliant on any specific type of Going, the booking of Sam Twiston-Davies for the in-form Alex Hales yard all adds to the quiet confidence that this could be a well handicapped horse at generous each way Odds.

 

I did look at the 2nd Division of the race but it was hard to see past the top 3 in the market in this one and this first Division looks far more competitive.