Sedgefield Preview: Riskier fancied to reward backers

Riskier has a terrific record fresh and holds leading claims of making a winning seasonal reappearance in the 2m 4f handicap chase at Sedgefield today (2.20).

The John Wade trained gelding last scored after a break of 143 days, and prior to that had won and finished runner-up twice after similar lay-offs.

That suggests that first time up may be the time to catch Riskier, and the son of Kier Park also has a good record at the venue and looks well-weighted on the pick of his form.

Riskier is a dual winner over course and distance, and is just 2lb higher than when last successful at Hexham.

The nine-year-old made all and jumped well that day to win easing down by nine lengths from Mulligan’s Man, and could prove very tough to peg back in this if allowed an easy lead.

With underfoot conditions fine and James Reveley in the saddle, everything points to a big run.

Rock Relief has fallen to a dangerous mark and can take advantage to land the 2m 4f handicap hurdle (2.50).

The Chris Grant’s gelding was last successful over hurdles back in March 2013 when rallying gameley to beat Hello Ladies a class 3 contest at Ayr off a rating of 117.

The eight-year-old went on to finish in the frame twice in the early part of this year off 120, and is now able to race in this class 4 contest off 115.

That is 2lb lower tahn when last successful and the lowest rating that Rock Relief has run off in two years.

It gives Rock Relief outstanidng claims from a handicapping perpsective, and makes him the one they all have to beat.

In the 2m 4f handicap chase (3.20) Runswick Royale can gainm a deserved success to provide trainer Wade with a double on the card.

The seven-year-old has finished runner-up on his last three starts, and the form of his last run when chasing home Montoya’s Son over course and distance in a class 4 contest has been franked by the winner going on to score again since.