Racing

Hereford Place 6 Preview | 12th January

By Colossus

13.00 Spa Motors Hereford Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

INNISFREE LASS is still to score in this sphere but she’s well handicapped if she can produce her best and can bounce back. TUSCAN ROSE also has a chance off this mark, while ILLOGICAL LOGIC went very close at Windsor back in November and a repeat effort might suffice.

Tips: INNISFREE LASS, TUSCAN ROSE & ILLOGICAL LOGIC

13.30 Blackmore Building Contractors Novices’ Hurdle

James Bowen has been brilliant so far this season, riding with extreme confidence, and I like the claims of LOOPING D’ARC. He proved no match for the exciting Bass Hunter when second on his sole bumper start, but shaped promisingly, and comfortably opened his account on hurdles debut at Southwell. He can go well.

Tips: LOOPING D’ARC

14.00 Blackmore Building Contractors Novices’ Hurdle

I’m going to take on the favourite with AGUELLID, who caught the eye when third on UK debut at Exeter, finishing his race off strongly after making a mistake at the last and pulling hard. Open to a good deal of improvement and being in receipt of 7lb from Vol Royale, this five-year-old can take a hand in the finish.

Tips: AGUELLID

14.30 CB Protection And Security Handicap Chase

I really like the chances of PEPE LE MOKO, who is 7lb below his last winning mark and came within a neck of scoring at Ludlow last time out when second. That form has been boosted with the winner going in again since, so off only a pound higher figure, Jane Williams’ charge can return the winning ways. I think he has serious claims.

Tips: PEPE LE MOKO

15.00 Green Dragon Hotel Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle

HAPPY RETURNS had run well on all three previous starts before gaining a first success at Wincanton last month, winning by seven lengths, and she should go well in her follow up bid. I’ll also cover the former with BOLLIN THOU, who is also a last-time-out winner and is feared most.

Tips: HAPPY RETURNS & BOLLIN THOU

15.30 R&A Mason Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

TIME WAS turned in a decent showing when second on her return from five months off the track, and has undergone wind surgery since, so she could prove capable of going one place better. She’s well handicapped on the pick of last year’s form (twice runner-up off higher marks).

Tips: TIME WAS & FEET ON THE GROUND