'He's at the right end of the handicap' - Philip Hobbs in confident mood

Wednesday: 2.40 Fontwell
Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle | 2m3f | 4yo+ | Sky

This is quite a good little handicap hurdle for Fontwell on a Wednesday and it offers punters the usual conundrum. Should you side with proven form or should you favour potential?

Two of the three at the head of the overnight market come into the potential category, and Island Run is probably more exciting than Dreaming Blue after a Wincanton win last time.

The market seemed to know he was about to hit form because he was backed at all rates down to 2-1 favourite, and he justified the support despite a bad mistake at the last flight.

Island Run was "babyish" that day according to winning rider Tom O’Brien, who is back on board here, and the five-year-old still looked green when winning with his ears pricked.

His pedigree gives plenty of encouragement for more to come. He is a half-brother to classy jumpers like Generous Ransom, Imperial Presence and Little River Bay, and all three stayed at least two and a half miles. The extra half-mile in this race should therefore suit Island Run.

As for the other five-year-olds in the field, Dreaming Blue has the course-and-distance form. He is a winner here and was third at the track on his last start. However, he gets only 3lb from form horses Royaume Uni and Hell Red who have achieved significantly more than the Anthony Honeyball runner.

The final word goes to Manvers House, who is a longstanding maiden but has dropped to a career-low mark and trainer Robert Walford fits a tongue-strap. Walford is 1-7 with runners wearing the aid for the first time since the start of last year, for a £1 level-stake profit of £10.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Gary Moore, trainer of Royaume Uni
He finished eighth in the Betfair Hurdle last time but was beaten only eight lengths so should find this a bit easier. He’ll appreciate the drying ground and the longer trip so has plenty going for him.

Robert Walford, trainer of Manvers House
He’s been a frustrating horse so we’re trying cheekpieces and a tongue-tie on him for the first time. We’re keen to support Fontwell as they put on good prize-money and hopefully we can get a piece of it.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Island Run
He’s at the right end of the handicap and should be suited by this longer trip. He’s in good form and hopefully should have a strong chance.
Reporting by David Milnes

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