Blinkers on and stable flying: is everything set up for Panic Attack success?

Thursday: 2.40 Cheltenham
Catesby Estates PLC Mares' Handicap Hurdle (Listed) | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | RTV

It's fair to say this season hasn't been a vintage one for David Pipe but there have been signs of a significant resurgence lately.

Even before the halfway point of April, Pipe has already enjoyed his highest winners tally in a single month since December 2020 and a 42 per cent strike-rate bodes well for his upcoming runners.

Now his horses are back firing on all cylinders, several who struggled in the earlier months of the campaign are bound to find themselves well treated and Panic Attack is out to provide the stable's biggest success of the season.

Panic Attack hasn't kicked on since winning a Listed bumper on her debut but will be well suited by this kind of test on good ground.

Pipe's 20 per cent strike-rate with runners in first-time blinkers is almost double his overall success rate and Panic Attack sports the aid for the first time.

Granted improvement for a decent comeback from five months off behind the useful Beauport last time, she could be tough to beat.

Harry Fry: trainer of Litterale CiCredit: Edward Whitaker

Litterale Ci is useful on the Flat, having been placed in a premier handicap at the Galway festival last summer, and like Panic Attack made an encouraging return to the track in March after a break.

Her trainer, Harry Fry, has also turned a corner recently. He is 11 from 36 since the beginning of March and that month was his most prolific since November 2018. These mares have been lightly raced this season and could be the two to focus on.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Harry Fry, trainer of Litterale Ci
She had a nice comeback run at Ludlow the other day and hopefully should be all the better for that. Aine O'Connor gets a great tune out of her and gets the ride again. Hopefully she'll be competitive.

Alan King, trainer of Her Indoors
She hasn't really built on the form of her fine win at this meeting 12 months ago and has had the difficult second season that is typical for many decent juveniles, but I'm hoping we'll see more from her here. This has been the aim since her disappointing run at Wetherby in February. She schooled well in cheekpieces this week and seems in good order.

Ben Case, trainer of Gazette Bourgeoise
She's had a great season and seems in good form. The track will definitely suit her, the trip is fine for her and she goes on any ground. Fingers crossed she can run a nice race.

David Pipe, trainer of Panic Attack
The blinkers are on, which we hope will help her stay a bit more focused. The track and trip will be fine for her and she ran well at Uttoxeter last time. We feel she's improved for that run. The ground will be fine and she should have a good chance.
Reporting by James Stevens

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