It’s always tempting to go overboard on big-field handicap hurdles, but after years of trial, error and far too many poorly judged punts, I’ve learned to be more selective. In today’s two divisions of the 0–100 Handicap Hurdle at Wexford, the yielding ground, trip and trainer intent have helped narrow the shortlist. These six horses all tick enough boxes to be considered potential winners, each for different reasons.
If you’ve ever found yourself backing the wrong type of horse in races like these, you might find some of my reflections useful — especially in this post: Horse Racing Betting Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them. Spoiler: betting blind on topweights with patchy form isn’t one of my better habits. Let’s hope we’ve got it right this time.
6:38 Wexford
3m Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (4yo+ 0-100)
Small Town Hero 3/1 (1.5pt win)
Small Town Hero is a rapidly improving 5-year-old who’s already won over course and distance. He comes into this on a hat-trick after two convincing wins and looks well-treated under a light weight. On yielding ground, his stamina and consistency will count for plenty, and his yard is in decent form. Hard to oppose if progressing again.
Corkbeg 6/1 (1pt e/w 4 places)
Corkbeg ran a solid second over course and ground last time out and has been knocking on the door recently. He stays well, handles yielding conditions, and has dropped to a workable mark. With a good tactical ride, he can be right there turning in. A strong candidate to go one better today in a wide-open handicap.
No Fussing 14/1 (0.75pt e/w 4 places)
No Fussing caught the eye on his penultimate run, staying on late from an impossible position. He’s now well-handicapped, and this step up to 3 miles could unlock further improvement. With yielding ground to suit and a capable rider booked, he looks a lively outsider who could surprise if staying in touch early.
7:13 Wexford
2m4½f (2m4f100y) Traynors Of Wexford Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (4yo+ 0-100)
Charlie’s Gift 8/1 (1pt e/w 4 places)
Charlie’s Gift shaped well last time when finishing a close third on seasonal reappearance. That was his first sign of life in handicap company, and he now looks ready to strike off a fair mark. He’s lightly raced, open to improvement, and should enjoy yielding ground. If he builds on that run, he’ll be a major player here.
Never Present 33/1 (0.25pt e/w 4 places)
Never Present has looked a long-term project, but his big frame and pedigree suggest this step up in trip could finally suit. He runs off joint top weight but is unexposed and drops in grade. With yielding ground likely to bring out his stamina, he could be a surprise package if things fall right today.
Mephisto 12/1 (0.75pt e/w 4 places)
Mephisto ran a solid fifth in a stronger contest last time and looks primed to go close in this lower grade. His mark has slipped to a dangerous level, and he has previous placed form on yielding ground. With a strong travelling style and decent form over this trip, he should be right in the mix at Wexford.
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