Stratford and Yarmouth previews: Leudorum can emerge the Victor

David Metcalf | 11.08.2016

David Metcalf | August 11, 2016

Lots to like about Leudorum at Stratford

Victor Leudorum bounced back to form when runner-up last time out and can go one better to land an overdue success in the 3m 2f handicap hurdle on this evening’s card at Stratford (19.20).

The gelding is a six-time winner but is on a long losing run having not scored since landing a novice chase at Worcester back in August 2013 off an official rating of 125.

However, having once been rated as 136 over hurdles the nine-year-old is now able to race off a mark of just 102.

That gives Charlie Mann’s charge a big shout at the weights if building on his second of 10 to Hold Court in a class 3 contest at Worcester 16 days ago where he stayed on well to be beaten four lengths.

It was a huge step back in the right direction and if turning up in the same mood Victor Leudorum will be tough to beat in this lower grade class 4 contest.

Stratford On Avon

Hat-trick beckons for Luccombe Down

Luccombe Down has been transformed since joining trainer Fergal O’Brien and can make light of a penalty to land the hat-trick in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle (18.20).

The gelding showed just modest form when under the care of Donald McCain but has won his first two starts in handicaps for O’Brien in impressive fashion.

After scoring at Uttoxeter the six-year-old sluiced up by eight lengths at Market Rasen in the style of animal that was well-ahead of the assessor.

Luccombe Down carries a 7lb penalty for that runwaway success and now runs off a career-high rating of 115.

However, the son of Primo Valentino is due to race off 120 in future assignments so is 5lb well-in at the weights having been wisely turned out quickly by connections.

It makes the thriving Luccombe Down very much the one to beat, especially as he looks the type that may well have even more to offer.

Stratford best bets

17.50: Bagad Bihoue
18.20: Luccombe Down (NB)
18.50: Daulys Anthem
19.20: Victor Leudorum (NAP)
19.50: Sylvan Legend
20.20: Cougar Kid

Joules can power to glory at Yarmouth

Joules disappointed last time out but looks decent value to bounce back and land the 7f handicap on this evening’s card at Yarmouth (19.05).

The colt has only had seven starts and was highly tried in two outings last season when fourth to Gifted Master in a valuable sales race at Newmarket and last in a Stakes contest at Chantilly.

Joules then had his sights lowered for the first start on the new campaign and posted an improved effort to get off the mark over 6f at Chepstow.

The three-year-old showed a good attitude to rally strongly under jockey Timmy Murphy and get up close home to beat Caitie by a neck, and it was a performance which suggested there could be more to come.

Joules then flopped when turned out seven days later under a penalty at Nottingham but that may well have come too quickly and he looks worth another chance now stepped up to a trip which promises to suit.

Great Yarmouth

Anastazia to be number one again

Anastazia posted a career-best effort when scoring over course and distance seven days ago and looks a worthy favourite to follow-up in the 7f handicap (19.35).

After being held-up off the pace, the Paul D’Arcy trained filly made good headway to take up the running two from home before staying on strongly in the hands of David Egan to beat Zeshov by two lengths.

The pair pulled 4 1/2 lengths clear of the third home to give the form a solid look and as it was an apprentice contest Anastazia is able to race in this off an unchanged mark.

It gives the four-year-old obvious claims of going in again, especially as Egan is once again in the saddle and able to claim his full 7lb allowance against the professionals compared to last week’s 5lb against his fellow apprentices.