Timeform Race Review: Four out of seven for Bally Conn

Race To Watch / Editor / 11 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Timeform reflect on a Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday which looked a strong handicap for the grade and was dominated by a quartet of improving types.

Bally Conn made it four wins from seven starts for owner/trainer Michael Hill since leaving Henrietta Knight. He again travelled very strongly into contention and did little more than required when headed by the fourth before the last. Bally Conn is still on the upgrade and will continue to be of interest in handicaps, particularly as he's just as effective around three miles.

Robert and Sally Alner's More The Merrier immediately showed his BHA handicap mark of 101 to be favourable, whilst underlining he'll need an out-and-out test if he's to show his all, first off the bridle and getting going again really strongly having jumped the last in fourth. He is lightly raced and should find further improvement when upped in trip.

The third, Porta Vogie, shaped as if amiss when last seen at Warwick three months ago, and put in easily his best effort over hurdles here, still on the bridle turning into the straight and shaping as though handicaps will come his way in the near future. He's lightly raced, and is likely to progress further, particularly when his stamina is tested more fully.

Tom George's Ring Bo Ree travelled like a horse who is still ahead of his mark, still on the bridle turning in although he's possibly not the stayer his pedigree suggests. It's not clear whether it was lack of stamina or a mistake at the last that led to him weakening on the run-in but he is likely remain of interest for the time being.