The one race you don't want to miss on Wednesday

Moulton Nurseries Of Acle Optional Claiming Handicap | 6f | 4yo+ | SKY

Why is it interesting?

The first optional claiming handicap of the year is a competitive affair on the east coast but the Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained Unabated is the only runner that can be claimed in the race.

The BHA introduced such contests last year in which horses can be handicapped by connections subject to a claiming price being stated.

When Yarmouth staged the race a year ago no claims were made and it could well be the case again with most happy to run in what is a generous £30,000 six-furlong handicap.

The first two home in last year's contest, Hart Stopper and Raucous, reoppose with the latter having the services of the useful 5lb claimer Cieren Fallon this time around.

The joint-topweight, Comin' Through, looks sure to run his useful solid race as does northern raider Muscika who was just touched off at Thirsk last time and is a rare mount at the track for the in-form Danny Tudhope.

The one horse who can be claimed, Unabated, has been dropped 7lb by his trainer onto a mark of 93 but with it his price has also fallen to £43,500. Coupled with a 3lb claim by rider Paddy Bradley, Unabated is actually running off a mark of 90.

Richard Aldous, clerk of the course at Yarmouth, said: "It's the first optional claimer of the year which we've brought forward as it only got five runners last year none of which were claimed. It's paid off as nine were declared this year and it's obviously nice prize-money."

What do the stats say?

Stuart Williams fields last year's winner Hart Stopper, as well as Indian Raj, but is 0-15 from his runners at Yarmouth so far this season.

Danny Tudhope makes a rare appearance at the seaside track – he is only one from eight when riding at Yarmouth.

What do the trainers say?

Robert Cowell, trainer of Raucous
I'm surprised there is so much prize-money for these races but we're not complaining but he's not in to be claimed. It's a tight race and the ground will be a bit quicker than ideal but he'll run his usual solid race I'm sure.

George Scott, trainer of Comin' Through
We're still learning about the horse as he's new to us. It looks a solid race.

Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Unabated
We've chosen to take 7lb off, which has cut his claiming price, but we think it gives him a better chance of getting a slice of the £30,000. If the horse wins and we can sell him then it's a win-win for us. He didn't much like the straight six on Tapeta at Newcastle last time so hopefully turf will be better.

Rae Guest, trainer of Show Stealer
We don't want any rain for him as he likes it like a road. As long as they don't overwater he should run a very good race.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Hart Stopper and Indian Raj
Hart Stopper won this last year but has not been in the same form this time around. Hopefully he's coming back to himself. Indian Raj is in good form and it's his first try at six furlongs. He's got a very little weight so hopefully he can run well.

What do the tipsters say?

The safest option is Raucous who comes here following an excellent fourth in the Wokingham and looks the one to beat in this weaker contest.Having missed last year, Indian Raj and Unabated retain potential. Of the pair, the latter is feared more as he's proven over the trip and connections have opted to claim 7lb. However, the in-form Muscika is likely to prove the biggest danger.
Kevin Morley

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