Having shaped better than the bare result last time out, Fifth Symphony makes plenty of appeal now fitted with cheekpieces for the first time in the 3m handicap hurdle that gets proceedings underway at Haydock on Monday (12:25).
That run came on handicap debut at Wetherby where the Ben Pauling trained five-year-old finished fifth of 11 to No Trumps. He ran lazily and in snatches, rallying approaching two out before weakening to be beaten 28 lengths off a mark of 107.
The fitting of headgear looks a good move based on how he ran there and the race has worked out well.
Rubytwo, who finished runner-up, has since run well to finish second whilst the third home North Star Oscar won next time up and has since run well to finish second at Ludlow.
The fourth home Passam, who finished just 2 1/2 lengths in front of the selection and was receiving 2lb from him, has also won since off off 102 and finished runner-up off 106.
Fifth Symphony trainer in fine form
So, having been quickly been dropped 2lb, it makes a revised rating of 105 for the lightly-raced Fifth Symphony, who shaped with promise in a Newbury bumper and when fifth on hurdling debut at Wetherby last season, look exploitable if the cheekpieces have the desired effect.
Promising young jockey Luca Morgan also takes off a handy 3lb with his claim. This is Fifth Symphony’s second start following wind-surgery – which is often the time to catch horses that have undergone such a procedure.
Pauling also has his team in fine shape and is operating at a strike rate of 21 per cent in the last 14 days. Fifth Symphony looks to have a lot going for him in this class 4 affair.
Bet of the Day: 6/1 with BetVictor, Fifth Symphony to win the 3m handicap hurdle at Haydock.
