Today’s racing card at Worcester is headlined by a competitive renewal of the Copybet Arc Summer Chase Series Final Handicap Chase, with Youdecide and Merely A Detail set to clash in the 2.05pm race on Sky Sports Racing.
Merely A Detail, trained by Toby Bulgin, arrives in excellent form, remaining unbeaten across two starts over fences. The gelding delivered a commanding nine-length victory at Fontwell last month and is expected to push for further success now stepping up in grade. Jockey Johnny Burke, currently riding with a 50% strike rate, will take the ride.
His main rival, Youdecide, brings more experience to the table. Ben Pauling’s runner was competitive when finishing second to Crebilly at the same course on his previous outing. Operating off the same weight under Ben Jones, he remains a dangerous contender.
Other notable runners include Loki’s Mischief, who is seeking a hat-trick after winning his last two races at Ffos Las, and Palamon, who drops two pounds to a mark of 115 for Dan Skelton’s stable.
In the 2.40pm Copybet Fixed Brush Hurdle Series Final Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, Road To Wembley faces a tough task carrying top weight in his handicap debut. Co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and trained by Olly Murphy, the horse has won three of his four starts over hurdles and will be ridden by Sean Bowen.
Down To Business, trained by Harry Skelton, steps up in trip after opening his account over two miles at the course last time. Square D’Alboni also looks strong, having finished three-quarters of a length behind at this distance previously, with Harry Atkins claiming a useful five-pound weight allowance.
Later, the action moves to Newcastle for the 5.45pm Mmb Novice Stakes. One Of The Boys, top-rated at 77 and trained by Michael Bell, seeks a first career win after placing in his previous three outings. He drops to six furlongs and rides Jack Callan. Brash, trained by David and Nicola Barron, is the primary threat, having been runner-up in his last two starts.
At Gosforth Park, Dreamed returns to action in the 6.15pm United Infrastructure EBF Restricted Novice Stakes following wind surgery.
Is Johnny Burke really a fifty percent jockey right now? That seems incredibly high for handicap chases.
Road To Wembley carrying top weight? With Sir Alex involved, surely he has to win this one.
Merely A Detail looks unstoppable in form. That nine-length win at Fontwell was dominant.