Plumpton preview: Hortense Mancini appeals on debut for Bradstock

David Metcalf | October 19, 2015

Hortense Mancini can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the 2m 4f handicap on today’s card at Plumpton (17.30) on her first start for trainer Mark Bradstock.

The mare shaped with plenty of promise when fourth to The Govaness on debut in a bumper at Towcester back in 2013 when in the care of Lucy Wadham, keeping on nicely from off the pace to be beaten just over 15 lengths.

It was an effort which suggested Hortense Mancini had plenty of ability, but the six-year-old has failed to sparkle in five subsequent outings.

The last four of those have come over hurdles, but having run off a handicap rating of 81 when last seen in action Hortense Mancini is now able to run off a basement mark of just 69.

That makes the daughter of King’s Best look potentially well-treated on her bumper run if the move to Bradstock has freshened her up, as The Govaness is now rated 144 over hurdles.

It’s also interesting that connections are now fitting Hortense Mancini with a tongue-tie for the first time, as she has often stopped quickly and shaped as if having a breathing problem, and with Nico de Boinville in the saddle she is a fascinating contender off just 10st 4lb in what looks a very winnable contest.

In the 2m handicap hurdle (15.30), Oscar Jane looks weighted to gain a deserved first success.

The Johnny Farrelly trained mare was rated 102 at her peak but is now able to race off just 74 having returned to form in her last two outings.

After finishing third to the thriving Bulletproof in the first of those at Newton Abbot, Oscar Jane looked set for victory when coming to grief two from home at Chepstow last month.