Vienna Court looks potentially well-treated and makes plenty of appeal in the 2m handicap hurdle that gets proceedings underway on a competitive card at Newbury this Saturday (12:05).
Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, this four-year-old filly left her bumper form well behind when making a winning debut over hurdles at Ffos Las back in October.
After being held-up well off the pace in the 12-runner line-up, the daughter of Mahler made steady progress three from home.
She was ridden to lead on the run-in and found plenty to fend off the challenge of Rosie And Millie by a neck.
It was a really gutsy display. The runner-up has won since and finished an excellent neck second in a Listed contest at Haydock off an official rating of 125.
The third home Whitehotchillifili, who finished a further three lengths behind, also tasted glory next time up when winning at Wincanton by nine lengths. That gives the form a strong look.
Vienna Court has seen Bangor form boosted
Although Vienna Court was then disappointing when a well-beaten last of seven at this venue, that was a hot class 2 novice contest and she has since run much better to finish third at Bangor.
She held every chance two from home at the Welsh venue, before being unable to find any extra and beaten just under seven lengths by Millers Bank.
The winner has since followed-up in fine style when scoring at Market Rasen by 14 lengths off a rating of 127, whilst the runner-up Northofthewall won next time-up at Hereford by 11 lengths off 122.
It once again gives the form a solid look and suggests that the assessor may have taken a chance in allotting Vienna Court an opening handicap mark of just 122.
She also appeals as the type to come into her own now going down the handicap route. After just three starts over the obstacles, she remains open to further progress going forward.
With the trip and ground also ideal, Vienna Court thus rates a strong fancy to notch a second career success under Rules.
Bet of the Day: 11/4 with BetVictor, Vienna Court to win the 2m handicap hurdle at Newbury.
