Believe In Luck

Wetherby's meeting today can hardly be described as pulse-quickening, but the course provides an excellent test, and should throw up true results, something which has been lacking in recent days. Tim Easterby rarely leaves the track without some recompense, and he can provide a winner in the shape of One For Luck, who contests a weak handicap hurdle at 17:10.

One For Luck showed promise when sixth of 15 in a C&D novice back in November 2011 behind useful pair Hazy Tom and Sea of Thunder, but he's not really fulfilled his potential since, largely due to a tendency to race freely. He has shaped better than the bare result in 3 handicap starts since tried in blinkers, however, travelling well to hit the front at Doncaster and Catterick in the autumn, and weakening as if in need of the run after a break at Southwell (21f) last time.

Flash Harriet and Quite Sparky are the pair with the best form in this sphere, but are 0-21 between them in handicaps, while Vodka Red and Desert Nova are hard to fancy after lengthy absences. Greyhope showed initial promise on the Flat for Lucinda Russell, but finished dead last on his handicap bow over timber, so the selection doesn't appear to have a great deal to beat. There is also a paucity of early speed in the contest, and if Dougie Costello can grab the bull by the horns from the outset, he and One For Luck should prove hard to beat.

The 2¾m handicap chase at 16:10 is a much more open affair, but once again lacks an obvious pacesetter other than Caroline Bailey's recent Uttoxeter winner Galway Jack.  The Witness Box gelding is a sound jumper who found plenty for pressure to win on his return from a break, and will be suited by the test provided by Wetherby. With nothing to spoil his rhythm in front, he looks poised to follow up off an 8 lb higher mark.

Recommendations:

Both at Wetherby

Back One For Luck in the 17:10 @ [5.8] (NAP)

Back Galway Jack in the 16:10 @ [3.8] (NB)