Sedgefield preview: Hughesie handicap to strike on chase debut

David Metcalf | November 10, 2015

Hughesie looks to have got in lightly in the 2n 3f novices’ handicap chase at Sedegfield today (14.20) and can take advantage to make a winning debut over the larger obstacles.

Hope for Hughesie

The Evan Williams trained gelding shaped with stacks of promise in two bumper runs, finishing runner-up to the now 155-rated Blue Heron on debut at Ludlow before chasing home 144-rated Blaklion at Ffos Las. Hughesie went on to post some eye-catching efforts over hurdles, including when not knocked about third of third of 14 to the 128-rated Taj Badlanabad at Chepstow.

This seven-year-old also ran very well when second of 15 to the 130-rated Fascino Rustico at Bangor, and has been allotted an opening handicap mark of just 119 on the back of those efforts.
That makes Hughsie look potentially thrown in at the weights, especially judged on his bumper form.

The son of Indian Danehill also has the size and scope to make a chaser, and remains unexposed and open to further improvement after just six starts under rules. Another plus is that Hughesie hails from a yard in good form at present, and this looks a golden opportunity for him to open his account.

Plenty of promise for Pure Science

In the 2m 3f handicap hurdle (15.20), Pure Science looks weighted to make a winning debut for trainer Sue Smith. The gelding had some fairly useful form to his name over hurdles when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, and was last succesfful when winning a handicap chase at Uttoxeter on his penultimate outing off a mark of 120.