HERMANN disappointed at Lingfield on his final start of 2016, but should be given chance to redeem himself in the Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton.
The four-year-old is a son of Authorized and hails from a decent family, which means he was certainly not a cheap purchase when changing hands for 110,000 guineas as a yearling in October 2014.
He has only paid back a very small portion of that purchase price to date, but given he has been limited to just three starts for Richard Hannon it is hardly surprising. Hermann made a fine impression on his racecourse bow at Doncaster last April, shaping with plenty of promise to finish third over 10 furlongs but some niggly problems then kept him on the sidelines until last November.
He made light of his absence at Wolverhampton though, racing keenly before finding plenty for pressure in the finish to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Hannon’s decision to step him up to 12 furlongs last time out made sense on the face of it but he got caught out when the pace upped a notch and could finish no better than seventh as favourite. Hermann was not beaten far though and he is certainly worth another shot before being written off.
Captain Courageous had to settle for second when last seen but can go one place better upped in trip for the Betway Middle Distance Handicap. The four-year-old has yet to strike gold in four outings for Ed Walker, but he is not totally devoid of ability judged on that runner-up spot at Kempton.
He was given plenty to do that day on his handicap bow and despite putting in some good work at the end, he could not reel in the winner. This step up to nine furlongs presents a whole new challenge, but Captain Courageous can rise to the occasion.
Missed Approach was something of a damp squib on his fencing bow but more is expected in the Lingfield Park Novices’ Chase. Warren Greatrex’s charge proved more than useful over hurdles last term, signing off the campaign with a fine second at Ayr in April and a rating of 145.
There were high hopes ahead of his chasing bow as Missed Approach looked all over a fencer. However, his seasonal bow at Exeter really did not pan out as expected as Missed Approach trailed home fourth behind American, finding it all too tough when the race really got serious.
It may be folly to disregard the seven-year-old on that effort, as he will no doubt have improved for the run and Greatrex is sure to have been putting in plenty of hours on the schooling ground.
IRISH NEWS YANKEE
Nap: Hermann (3.40: Wolverhampton)
Double: Captain Courageous (4.10: Wolverhampton)
Treble: Missed Approach (1.00: Lingfield)
Yankee: Vivat Rex (2.20: Southwell)
