'He's up in trip but should be suited by it' - Findthetime bids for follow-up

Tuesday: 2.00 Catterick
Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap Hurdle | 2m3½f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV

The market is likely to evolve around a general interpretation of Findthetime’s opening mark of 111.

Some will conclude it is about right based on the form of his hard-fought head win over Fearless Action at Sedgefield last time out.

That runner-up has since been allocated a rating of 110 following another second place at Newcastle, while the 106-rated fourth Spiritofthenorth weakened from two out after pulling hard at Musselburgh.

Nonetheless, the lightly raced Findthetime promises to be suited by the step up in trip from 2m1f and there is a distinct likelihood of him proving even more effective on the softer surface he will encounter this time.

Testing ground won’t necessarily play to the strengths of Kensington Art, who has twice been officially withdrawn owing to “unsuitable ground” when it has been soft.

All four of his turf wins have been achieved in quicker conditions.

Hunting Percival didn’t give his running as 5-2 favourite when last seen over 2m7f at Market Rasen in August.

The drop in trip to 2m3½f is a plus point and Dylan Kitts takes a valuable 10lb off his back. He retains handicapping scope off a mark of 117 and should not be taken lightly.

Hungry Tiger and Coup De Gold, who both compete from the bottom of the weights, possess rock-solid recent form in northern handicap hurdles, and there seems no obvious reason why they won’t run to their best again.

The former’s Kelso second to Grand Voyage received a timely boost on Sunday when the third, Fever Roque, bolted up by 14 lengths at Market Rasen.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Tom Lacey, trainer of Hunting Percival and You Name Him
The ground has probably gone against Hunting Percival. You Name Him has become disappointing of late and will need to step up.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Bucko’s Boy
He won his maiden hurdle in the spring and did well to finish where he did at Bangor the time before last considering he whipped round at the start. I probably ran him a bit quick at Uttoxeter last time but he’s fresh off a break and can win off this sort of mark.

Nicky Richards, trainer of Findthetime
He’s a progressive type who needs to grow up mentally more than anything. He’s up in trip but should be suited by an easy two and a half miles and is going the right way.

Alex Hales, trainer of Happy And Fine
He ran well first time this season in a novice at Sandown but disappointed when we went back there for a handicap with him. He seems to be over whatever was on him that day and we expect this step up in trip will suit him.

Jimmy Moffatt, trainer of Jelski
He possibly was in need of his comeback run last time at Hexham and has improved from it at home. We go there hopeful of a good run, especially if they get another shower or two.

David Thompson, trainer of Coup De Gold
He would have just about won over course and distance last time if he’d met the last right and he deserves to get his head in front as he’s been knocking on the door all season. Any further easing of the ground would suit him.

George Bewley, trainer of Hungry Tiger
He has run into decent sorts on his last two outings and it just depends if he can handle the step up in class. He’s got a low weight, which should help, and if he can finish second again we’ll be delighted.
Reporting by David Milnes

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