Sedgefield preview: Ryedale Racer ready to rock

David Metcalf | November 24, 2015

Ryedale Racer shaped with bags of promise when runner-up on hurdling debut and looks a worthy favourite to go one better in the 2m 4f contest on today’s card at Sedgefield (12.50).

The Malcolm Jefferson trained gelding offered plenty to work on when runner-up in a bumper at this venue back in April, and duly built on that effort to score impressively at the track a month later.

After being held-up, Ryedale Dancer made smooth headway to take up the running at the two marker before scooting clear under a hands a heels ride to score by seven lengths on heavy ground.

It was a most taking performance and one which suggested the four-year-old needed keeping firmly onside.

That view was confirmed when Ryedale Dancer was narrowly beaten on hurdling debut over course and distance earlier in the month.

The son of Indian Danehill went down fighting by just a neck to Dilusionofgrandeur, and the pair pulled 19 lengths clear of a 132-rated rival.

That gives the form a solid look, and a repeat of that effort should be more than good enough to enable Ryedale Dancer to land the spoils.

Landmeafortune could be a worthy investment

In the 2m handicap hurdle (13.50), Landmeafortune is a fascinating contender and potentially well-treated on his form in Irish points.

The gelding finished fourth on debut at Castletown behind Chosen Well who is now rated 127 and third to the now 132-rated Shanroe Santos at Loughanmore last October.

That is strong form, and suggests that Landmeafortune’s current mark of 90 is very exploitable.