Agentleman can hit the front for Roy
IT’S a little off-putting that Agentleman has still to get his head in front. But there’s no denying the six-year-old is currently in great heart.
After his novice hurdle campaign, he was sent chasing last back end, and it’s fair to say that jumping the big obstacles was not a success for Roy Brotherton’s gelding.
However, the application of cheek pieces, and a return to handicap hurdles, have really perked him up and he’s now a well-handicapped, in-form contender.
His two-length second to Mount Vesuvius 12 days ago, in a better grade, follows a promising Bangor fourth. So Worcester’s two-mile handicap looks a suitable test.
Forever Field is another who is dropping down in grade, in the following twoand-a-half-mile handicap. He’s been a fine Nicky Henderson representative at the summer game.
The son of Beneficial won a Class 3 two outings ago, when three-and-three-quarter lengths too strong for Handsome Dan at Market Rasen.
But it was his half-length second to Totalize in a Class 2 at the same track which speaks even more convincingly for today’s assignment, raised just 3lb.
A good run for Agentleman would speak in favour of Dry Ol’ Party. in the mares-only handicap hurdle. She was second at Newton Abbot, two lengths behind the nap.
A mare that should be doing better, the handicapper is starting to relent and Richard Johnson takes over from the amateur who found her a tricky ride last time.