16:30 Stratford – Viking Mistress @ 8/1 (each-way)
This 16-runner hurdle has the potential to be a competitive affair with no single entrant looking at all solid. Having said that, Viking Mistress is a horse who has shaped well in a couple of similar races this season, particularly last time out and makes plenty of each-way appeal.
Although her overall record is somewhat patchy, Martin Keighley’s nine-year-old has run some nice races in Class 5 company this season, especially on her latest outing when finishing 2nd in big-field race at Taunton, shaping as though the longer trip really is ideal. With the addition of cheekpieces, in a race that doesn’t appear to be all that different, at least in terms of quality, the mare should be capable of going well.
Furthermore, Martin Keighley is a trainer who does fairly well at this track. From his last 56 runners, although only saddling two winners, 12 have hit the place money, giving the Condicote based trainer a place/win strike rate of 25% at Stratford.
There are plenty in this field who, on one piece of form or another, have some sort of chance, but at the prices, Viking Mistress looks to be the one who warrants the each-way support most.
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