22-Nov-2008

According To Pete could go close in the Betfair Fixed Brush Hurdle. He was a really decent handicap hurdler last season, who finished third behind Ballyfitz in the Pertemps Final off just a 2lb lower mark than the mark off which he races today. He has looked very good in two runs over fences this season, both at Hexham, and these fixed brush hurdles should suit. After just two runs, he is actually rated higher over fences than he is over hurdles.

There is every chance that the Accordion gelding will translate that improvement back to these obstacles, effectively small fences as opposed to hurdles, the flat track will suit him, he ran well on the only occasion that he ran over hurdles at Haydock behind Naiad Du Misselot last December, good to soft ground is fine and the booking of Graham Lee is a big positive. Malcolm Jefferson has his horses in fine form these days, and According To Pete represents a decent each-way betting opportunity at his tissue price of 7/1, especially if all 16 intended runners stand their ground.

RESULT: WON 11/2 (MORNING PRICE 9/1)

© The Irish Field, 22nd November, 2008