Bellewstown 6:38 Result

Top-weighted at OR100 but a genuine progressive 4yo from the powerhouse Elliott yard with Jack Kennedy booked - a big statement of intent in a competitive but modest-class handicap. Form figures 9-635 show him building, with a 5th last time when likely stepping up in trip/grade; Elliott's 4yo hurdlers with this profile regularly progress fast. Kennedy taking the ride over a big field of moderate rivals suggests they fancy this. Garrick Painter (also OR98) is interesting but has had a break (61 days) and unproven fitness after inconsistent form (9/1-06). Masego is unexposed but comes back from a break too and hasn't shown much (754-). Convincing looks the classiest of the smaller weights with a recent win (007-1) but is stepping up in class facing quality at the top. On balance, Direct Approach carries weight comfortably for a topclass yard, is unexposed for the trip, and looks the most likely to improve into a leading contender. Market should respect this, but if drifting at all he'd be a good result versus a fair chance.