Hexham preview: Cloudy set for Dream hurdles debut
Published:
David Metcalf | November 6, 2015
Trainer Malcolm Jefferson does extremely well with his runners at Hexham, and Cloudy Dream can provide him with another winner in the 2m maiden hurdle that opens proceedings on today’s six-race card (13.20).
The Malton-based handler has a strike rate of just over 27 per cent at the track in the past 12 months, and in Cloudy Dream has a gelding who has won two of his three runs in bumpers and looks an exciting prospect.
After shaping as if badly in need of the experience when third on debut at Sedgefield, the five-year-old opened his account in good style when scoring by 2 1/2 lengths at this venue.
Cloudy Dream then had little difficulty overcoming a six month absence to follow-up at Carlisle last month when beating Groundunderrepair by 1/4 lengths.
The son of Cloudings came from off the pace to lead at the furlong marker, and only had to be driven out to score with more in hand than the winning margin suggests.
It was an excellent effort considering Cloudy Dream had to concede 7lb to a well-regarded sort, and the pair pulled 15 lengths clear of the third home to give the form a solid look.
Judged on that performance Cloudy Dream looks an above average type who needs keeping firmly onside, and this looks a nice opening for him to make a winning debut over the obstacles before going on to better things.
Miss Joeking can continue fine Russell form
In the 2m handicap hurdle (15.20), Miss Joeking looks nicely treated if building on her latest run and decent value to land the spoils for in-form trainer Lucinda Russell.
The filly is a slow maturing sort, who after shaping with plenty of promise in a couple of bumpers has taken time to find her feet over hurdles.
However, Miss Joeking comes into the contest having put in a much improved effort to finish a keeping on 7 3/4 length third to Touch Of Steel on handicap debut at Hexham last month and things may finally be starting to click.
The winner has since gone on to finish a solid third off 92, and the second home Destiny Awaits won next time up and is now rated 97.
That gives the form a solid look in the context of this contest, and makes Miss Joeking look nicely weighted off an unchanged mark of 83 if taking another step forward.
Selections
14.20: Cloudy Dream (NAP)
13.50: Presenting Junior
14.20: Kalastar
14.50: Samson Collonges
15.20: Miss Joeking (NB)
15.50: Bruce Almighty
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