There were 273 Races on across 31 meetings. There was 7 races at Ascot first race 13:50, 8 races at Bangor-on-Dee first race 13:35, 8 races at Busan first race 07:00, 8 races at Canberra first race 03:35, 4 races at Canterbury Park first race 01:10, 7 races at Clairefontaine first race 15:17, 15 races at Club Hipico first race 18:00, 7 races at Cologne first race 15:30, 10 races at Colonial Downs first race 20:08, 5 races at Del Mar first race 01:08, 8 races at Down Royal first race 15:15, 9 races at Fairview first race 10:30, 9 races at Gulfstream first race 17:55, 7 races at Haydock first race 13:25, 10 races at Horseshoe Indianapolis first race 19:10, 12 races at Kawasaki first race 07:00, 7 races at Kempton first race 17:55, 7 races at Kilbeggan first race 16:00, 9 races at Las Piedras first race 17:50, 8 races at Les Sables first race 10:45, 10 races at Mornington first race 03:30, 7 races at Mysore first race 09:30, 12 races at Nagoya first race 04:05, 9 races at Remington Park first race 01:28, 9 races at Saint-Cloud first race 12:05, 13 races at San Isidro first race 17:30, 12 races at Sonoda first race 06:30, 11 races at Taif first race 13:00, 8 races at Vincennes first race 17:23, 9 races at Woodbine first race 01:25, 8 races at Wyong first race 03:50, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.
Race 1: 13:35 Bangor-on-Dee Jones Bros Supporting CSRC Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race) GB 2m 3f 123y
(8) Wheresmemoneygone | | | | | | 5 | Charlie Hammond | Max Young | A well-beaten outsider on his first two hurdling starts (2m4f/2m); similar scenario likely again today. |
(9) Fllana Bay | | | | | | 7 | Conor Rabbitt | Maurice Barnes | Fell when 66-1 for low-grade Market Rasen handicap in June and now 0-12 over hurdles; can't be recommended on today's terms. |
(10) Primary Explosive | | | | | | 6 | Charlie Todd | Ian Williams | Arguably shaped with more promise than 29l defeat suggests when seventh on recent debut at Worcester (2m) but is probably one for further down the line. |
(11) Suitably Surprised | | | | | | 5 | Jonathan England | Sam England | Showed some ability in Irish points last season but struggled when 66-1 for both this summer's hurdling starts (2m/2m1f); moves up in trip today. |
(4) Fond Farewell | | | | | | 5 | Craig Nichol | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Won a low-grade Flat handicap in Ireland in April 2023 but both Flat runs for his new stable this summer were disappointing and he's very unlikely to meet the standard required on today's hurdling debut. |
(7) Sheer Joy | | | | | | 5 | David Bass | Alastair Ralph | Came second in an Irish point in May but struggled to get competitive on rules debut at Worcester (2m4f, good) in July. |
(3) Court Cian | | | | | | 6 | Ciaran Gethings | Stuart Edmunds | Came good in points with two wins in April and is probably good enough to win under rules at some stage but faces a pretty tough assignment on stable debut. |
2nd (5) Fumet d'Oudairies | | | | | | 9 | Mr Jack Andrews | T Ellis | Useful and prolific pointer/hunter chaser in 2019-2022; absent for 615 days but could have a big role to play in this novice hurdle if fully tuned up; sports first-time tongue-tie; market may guide. |
3rd (2) Jumping Susie | | | | | | 6 | Alex Harvey | John C McConnell | Took a good while to open her account but has now won twice this season, latterly when making all in Kilbeggan handicap (2m3f, good to yielding) in July; ran to similar level when placed at Tramore last month and helps to give the Irish a strong hand in this race. |
4th (6) Home Sweet Highway | | | | | | 7 | William Maggs | Donald McCain | Off the mark over hurdles at eighth attempt, making all for clearcut success in low-grade conditional jockeys' handicap here (2m7f, good) ten weeks ago; faces stronger opposition today but escapes a penalty and can make his presence felt. |
1st (1) Fine Margin | | | | | | 7 | Mr P W Mullins | W P Mullins | Very creditable second in major handicap at Haydock (3m, good to soft) on stable debut in November and 2-2 since returned to novice company this season; fended off spirited challenge from main market rival at Worcester (2m4f, good; first-time cheekpieces) in July and ought to be a very tough nut to crack here. |
Winning hurdlers Jumping Susie and Home Sweet Highway (preferred in that order) are both respected but Willie Mullins' useful 7yo FINE MARGIN is selected to complete a hat-trick. Useful pointer/hunter chaser Fumet D'Oudairies has been absent since December 2022 but will enter the equation if strong in the betting.[Chris Wilson]
Race 2: 14:10 Bangor-on-Dee Alfa Aggregate Products Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (0-105) (5) 4yo+ GB 2m 3f 123y
(8) Blue Clover | | | | | | 6 | Sean Quinlan | Lizzie Quinlan | Pulled up on both starts for new stable this spring, latterly when 80-1 for handicap debut at Perth (2m, good to firm); moves back up in trip and swaps cheekpieces for first-time visor here. |
(5) Ismael | | | | | | 6 | Lee Edwards | Kevin Frost | Opened rules account with clearcut success at Uttoxeter (2m4f, heavy) in January but two lesser efforts followed, and the likely faster ground is not sure to suit him on this first start since early April. |
(10) Cawthorne Cracker | | | | | | 5 | Toby Wynne | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Doubled tally with clearcut success at Stratford (2m2f, good) in June, after a break, but his form has slumped badly since; leap of faith required to support him over new trip here. |
(9) Crac De Megaudais | | | | | | 5 | Brian Hughes | Tom Gretton | Unexposed 5yo who was only beaten about 6l when keeping-on fourth on handicap debut at Stratford (2m2f, good to firm) in July; that was his first start since December and he could easily have more to offer; hood removed after one use; interesting. |
4th (4) Presenting Pete | | | | | | 7 | Sean Bowen | John Mackie | Left two duff efforts behind when respectable fourth at Worcester (2m4f, good) nine days ago but his finishing effort there was rather disappointing and he still has something to prove. |
(1) Simply Red | | | | | | 6 | Mr Ben Sutton | Mark Walford | Four-time course winner (once over today's trip) when trained by Donald McCain; out of form on the Flat and over hurdles for Mark Walford in the spring but the refitted cheekpieces might give her a lift today. |
2nd (6) Kopa Kilana | | | | | | 7 | Conor Rabbitt | Maurice Barnes | 0-17 over hurdles but scores good marks for his consistency this season, having made the frame on all four starts (2m-2m4f, good); ought to be on the premises again. |
(3) Youlneverwalkalone | | | | | | 6 | Theo Gillard | Donald McCain | Kept on for third in Uttoxeter novice (2m7f, good; first-time tongue-tie) for Fergal O'Brien in June but left that yard after lesser effort in July; drops back in trip for stable/handicap debut; may still have potential but others here appeal more. |
3rd (2) Eagle's Realm | | | | | | 6 | Kielan Woods | David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Won four times on AW in October-February (1m6f-2m) and was close second at Stratford (2m2f, good) when back over hurdles in July; likely to be suited by today's longer trip and to be right in the thick of things again. |
1st (7) Hawaii Du Mestivel | | | | | | 7 | Sam Twiston-Davies | Neil Mulholland | Low-mileage 7yo who took his form to a whole new level when switched to good ground at Fontwell (2m5f) one week ago, winning easily by 16l; 7lb well in under 7lb penalty here; commands respect. |
It's hard to get away from HAWAII DU MESTIVEL, who ran his rivals into the ground at Fontwell a week ago and is 7lb ahead of the handicapper under a penalty here. Crac De Magaudais returned from a break with a very encouraging handicap debut in July and is second choice, while Eagle's Realm and Kopa Kilana both seem likely to run well again.[Chris Wilson]
Race 3: 14:45 Bangor-on-Dee Alfa Aggregate Products Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (0-105) (5) 4yo+ GB 2m 3f 123y
(3) Ferrobin | | | | | | 10 | Murray Dodd | Max Young | Suddenly bounced back to form with 66-1 win off much reduced mark at Huntingdon (2m3f, good) in April but was pulled up over that C&D the following month and now has it all to prove again; cheekpieces replaced blinkers. |
3rd (5) Time To Tinker | | | | | | 9 | Robert Dunne | Gary Hanmer | Useful in his prime but became disappointing for Paul Nicholls and has a poor completion record for Gary Hanmer; others look much less risky. |
(4) City Of Ruins | | | | | | 4 | Mr Huw Edwards | Simon Edwards | Made the frame in two juvenile hurdles for Donald McCain in early part of last season and, following a layoff, belied 33-1 odds when placed on stable/hurdle debut at Southwell (2m, good) in June; struggled on soft ground in July but is back on a quicker surface here and could have untapped potential over the new trip. |
(6) Aviewofthestars | | | | | | 6 | Luke Scott | Stella Barclay | Signed off for Fergal O'Brien with two wins last autumn (2m4f/2m) but has not made any further progress for current stable, albeit this year's four runs have all been respectable; others have more pressing claims. |
(8) Fenney Brook | | | | | | 8 | Gavin Sheehan | Katy Price | Four-time hurdle winner; seemed to have been aided by a wind op when placed on consecutive outings this summer (2m4f/2m5f, good) but didn't fire at Stratford recently and needs to bounce back from that; tongue-tie added. |
1st (1) Jacobs Acre | | | | | | 6 | Sam Twiston-Davies | Neil Mulholland | Placed on both hurdling starts, more recently when second in Worcester maiden (2m, good) in June; that form has worked out well since and this fellow ought to have more improvement to come in 2m4f handicaps. |
(9) Bergentown | | | | | | 7 | Sean Quinlan | Jennie Candlish | Stayed on for second over at Worcester (2m4f, good) in June, after a break; competes off same mark again today but he went the wrong way after his winning reappearance last year and needs to prove he can hold his form. |
(2) Jumping Jupiter | | | | | | 6 | Jamie Hamilton | Mark Walford | Built upon very promising stable debut when readily opening account in 14-runner Hexham handicap (2m, good) in May; not seen again since but remains lightly raced and should be fine over today's longer trip. |
2nd (7) Ten Ten Twenty | | | | | | 6 | Kielan Woods | D J Jeffreys | Exploited lowly mark when winning under 10lb claimer at Market Rasen (2m4f, good) and Uttoxeter (2m4f, soft) in July; form of latter success has been significantly boosted by the runner-up (Hawaii Du Mestivel; runs in Division 1) since but, nevertheless, this 6yo has a bit more to do today. |
4th (10) Into The Sunset | | | | | | 7 | Charlie Maggs | Donald McCain | Out of form over hurdles this year but steadied the ship with two very respectable chase runs this summer (2m/2m5f) and now reverts to hurdling on a tempting mark; can't be ruled out. |
Jumping Jupiter started off for Mark Walford with two creditable 2m runs and probably still has more to offer on this return to 2m4f but handicap debutant JACOBS ACRE split two next-time-out winners when second in a Worcester maiden in June and, after only two hurdling starts, he's probably the one with most potential. Into The Sunset reverts to hurdling on a dangerous mark and is next on the list.[Chris Wilson]
Race 4: 15:20 Bangor-on-Dee Kronospan Supporting CSRC Handicap Chase (0-130) (3) 4yo+ GB 2m 4f 72y
3rd (8) The Flier Begley | | | | | | 9 | Ben Bromley | Gary Hanmer | Very well handicapped on pick of his Irish form but finished down the field over hurdles on stable debut in July and ought to have coped a bit better with the heavy ground when tailed off in recent Cartmel chase. |
5th (3) Before Midnight | | | | | | 11 | Mr Ben Sutton | Fergal O'Brien | Ran well in defeat in Ludlow hunter chase (2m4f, soft) in April but was well beaten when back in a handicap two months ago and is patently not the force of old; pulled up at 2023 Cheltenham Festival on only previous start in cheekpieces. |
(4) Herewegohoney | | | | | | 8 | Fern O'Brien | Fergal O'Brien | Drew clear to win by 20l at Market Rasen (3m3f, good) last summer but did not get competitive at Cheltenham (3m1f) in the autumn or when returning from layoff in 2m4f hurdle last month; needs to get back on track and will probably be of greater interest when moving back up in trip. |
(5) Baron De Midleton | | | | | | 11 | Craig Nichol | Brian Ellison | Posted sound effort when keeping-on second over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) last month and should be fine back over fences but has very mixed record this year that includes three defeats in plating company; younger rivals have more convincing profiles. |
4th (1) Presentandcounting | | | | | | 10 | Brian Hughes | Donald McCain | Good-ground specialist with very good 7-20 strike-rate over fences; capitulated rather tamely after leading at Market Rasen in July but his fourth at Perth (2m4f, good to firm) two starts ago was a pretty good effort and he's on a good mark. |
(7) Lipa K | | | | | | 6 | Toby Wynne | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Started off for current stable with two course wins in the spring (2m1f, soft/2m4f, good to soft); treated sternly by the handicapper for beating three rivals on latter occasion and returns here after a poor performance six weeks ago but further progress remains possible. |
2nd (6) Bella Bliss | | | | | | 7 | Alex Harvey | John C McConnell | Good second at Cartmel (2m5f, good) on latest chase start in June and placed in big-field handicap hurdles on next two outings; below form when tried in cheekpieces (now removed) for latest hurdling start but has a significant role to play if all goes to plan here. |
1st (2) Riskintheground | | | | | | 7 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Progressive 7yo who began this season with three chase wins (2m4f-2m5f, good/good to soft) and also ran well when fifth in Summer Plate at Market Rasen (2m5f, good); might still be on the upgrade; respected. |
Bella Bliss is a contender if judged on the form of his latest chase run but RISKINTHEGROUND was not discredited when fifth in a valuable Market Rasen handicap in July and is taken to resume the progress that enabled him to win three in a row in May/June. Lipa K, a dual course winner in the spring, disappointed last time but can feature if back on song.[Chris Wilson]
Race 5: 15:55 Bangor-on-Dee Dodson & Horrell Supporting CSRC Handicap Chase (0-110) (4) 4yo+ GB 2m 1f 77y
1st (4) Mix Of Clover | | | | | | 10 | Murray Dodd | Alastair Ralph | Kept on gamely to cause 20-1 surprise at Worcester (2m good) in July and is only 1lb higher now but looked out of sorts when pulled up on both subsequent outings and can't be supported with any confidence. |
(7) Nevendon | | | | | | 7 | Nick Scholfield | Alexandra Dunn | Gave fairly good account when second in selling handicap hurdle in May but his subsequent chasing debut was no better than respectable and others in this line-up have more appealing profiles. |
(8) Bix Beiderbecke | | | | | | 6 | Patrick Wadge | Lucinda Russell | Generally very disappointing since making all in Perth novice hurdle (2m, good) in spring 2023 and was pulled up when returned there for chasing debut in July but he's in good hands and can't be written off just yet. |
(9) Sword Of Fate | | | | | | 11 | Derek Fox | Leonard Kerr | Held on well at Cartmel (2m1f, good) in July, his tenth chasing success, but was soundly beaten over hurdles last month and it's hard to predict the extent to which this veteran will warm to the task today. |
5th (6) Malpas | | | | | | 9 | Theo Gillard | Donald McCain | Three-time hurdle winner; came good over fences with C&D (good to soft) success in May (three runs ago) and remains on a workable mark but has become too inconsistent to rely upon. |
(10) Neigh Botha | | | | | | 7 | Toby Wynne | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Returned from break with pretty stylish win at Southwell (2m, good); not seen to quite the same effect when third behind Mix Of Clover at Worcester in July but wasn't beaten far and remains of interest. |
(2) Ittack Blue | | | | | | 6 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Made all in two Market Rasen novice hurdles (both 2m, good) in May but was soundly beaten in both subsequent handicaps, the latter his chasing debut; still has plenty of time to get career back on track but comes here with a point to prove. |
2nd (11) Guillaume | | | | | | 7 | Brian Hughes | Donald McCain | Scored off 1lb higher at Catterick (1m7f, soft) during the winter and has made the frame on all three starts this season (all on good ground); moves up from Class 5 today but has possibilities if aided by new cheekpieces. |
3rd (1) Mr Mackay | | | | | | 5 | Sam Twiston-Davies | Nigel Twiston-Davies | Absent since below-par hurdle run in April but was generally consistent in stronger races than this last season, and makes his chasing debut from a workable mark; interesting to see how he fares. |
(3) Restandbethankful | | | | | | 8 | Sean Quinlan | Lizzie Quinlan | Three-time chase winner who seemed to have benefited from latest wind op when keeping on well to beat in-form subsequent winner at Cartmel (2m1f, soft) a fortnight ago; the forecast faster ground here will also suit and he's due to go up another 4lb soon; good chance. |
4th (5) Dream Jet | | | | | | 6 | Craig Nichol | Brian Ellison | Did well to open chasing account at Market Rasen (slipped after fourth-last fence) in July and bumped into a revitalised subsequent winner when clear second there (also 2m1f, good) three weeks ago; another 5lb higher here but still features prominently in calculations. |
Restandbethankful was initially raised only 3lb for beating a next-time-out winner at Cartmel a fortnight ago and is back in action before an additional 4lb increase takes effect. He is not opposed lightly but MR MACKAY was very competitive in some good-quality hurdle races last season and may exploit a favourable mark on today's chasing debut. Dream Jet and Neigh Botha also make appeal.[Chris Wilson]
Race 6: 16:30 Bangor-on-Dee Genesis Wealth Management Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) GB 2m 7f 32y
(7) Butler's Brief | | | | | | 9 | Nick Scholfield | Alastair Ralph | Now 7lb lower than when winning at Kelso last November but he's struggled on his three starts this summer, most recently after wind surgery; major turnaround needed with first-time blinkers replacing cheekpieces. |
(1) Chinx Of Light | | | | | | 8 | Alex Harvey | John C McConnell | Won two in a row in May 2022 and has travelled from Ireland for this first outing since February; a market check is advised but he needs to produce a bigger performance than he managed on his three runs last season. |
(3) Watergrange Jack | | | | | | 8 | Dylan Johnston | Neil Mulholland | Inconsistent over fences this year but he was a fair fourth in that sphere at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good to soft) last time, and he completed a hurdling hat-trick last September (2m3f-2m5f, good); could be a contender. |
(6) Halifax | | | | | | 7 | Conor Ring | Grace Harris | Won at Kempton (3m, good) in May and has continued in good heart since; has run really well on both previous visits to Bangor and the return to this track could eke out something extra; on the shortlist. |
(4) Isthebaropen | | | | | | 11 | Sean Bowen | Gary Hanmer | 11yo who has been absent since posting two fair efforts at Stratford (3m2f/2m6f, good to soft) last August; wind op in interim; however, this good-ground course winner goes well fresh and is not ruled out. |
4th (5) Hardy Boy | | | | | | 7 | Ben Jones | Ben Pauling | Runner-up twice in a row in July (2m4f, good) before winning when back up in trip at Market Rasen (2m7f, good); also effective on good to soft; he's on a career-high mark having gone up 6lb for last time but did it in good style and this bang-in-form 7yo has to be respected. |
2nd (2) Bucko's Boy | | | | | | 9 | Gavin Sheehan | Jamie Snowden | Returned from break with a win at Worcester (2m7f, good) in June and he's been a fair fourth off this 7lb higher mark at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good to soft/good) the last twice; has won here and could be thereabouts. |
3rd (9) Clararose | | | | | | 6 | Tristan Durrell | Dan Skelton | Won at Warwick (2m5f, good) in May and has been a good second on two of her three starts since (2m3f/2m4f, good; including here); unproven at today's trip but this lightly raced 6yo has stamina in her pedigree and is open to further improvement for her top trainer; key player. |
1st (8) Finisk River | | | | | | 11 | Brian Hughes | Donald McCain | Course winner who was runner-up over C&D (good) last September and went close at Worcester (2m4f, good) nine days ago; this 11yo runs off the same mark as last time and could be in the mix. |
The lightly raced 6yo CLARAROSE has a progressive profile and her pedigree provides optimism she'll be suited by this step back up in trip. She earns the vote ahead of Halifax, who has been running well and has some strong form here. Recent Market Rasen winner Hardy Boy is next on the list.[Ben Hutton]
Race 7: 17:05 Bangor-on-Dee Bangor-On-Dee Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle (Div I) (0-95) (5) 4yo+ GB 2m 145y
3rd (13) Deal Em High | | | | | | 7 | James Best | Debra Hamer | 0-10 over hurdles; about 28l behind Got Grey when eighth at Stratford (2m, good to firm) ten days ago and effectively only 1lb lower from out of the weights again here; tongue-tie/cheekpieces added. |
(7) Olivia Kate | | | | | | 5 | Stan Sheppard | Matt Sheppard | Outran 50-1 odds when placed in Worcester novice (2m, good) in June but finished well down the field over that C&D on handicap debut in July. |
(12) Rhyme Scheme | | | | | | 7 | Patrick Wadge | Peter Winks | Won twice on the Flat in 2021 but is yet to be placed after 13 hurdling starts; never looked dangerous when ninth at Stratford (2m, good to firm) recently; not the most obvious answer here. |
(6) Jysuis | | | | | | 5 | Bruce Lynn | Simon West | Placed in French bumpers last year but has not made a significant impact on his six British hurdling starts; chance probably depends on whether recent wind op aids his finishing effort. |
(4) Lady Wormsley | | | | | | 4 | Miss Olive Nicholls | Georgina Nicholls | Fair Flat racer who displayed improvement over hurdles when third under positive ride in recent Worcester maiden (2m, good); sports refitted cheekpieces for this handicap debut and could still have more to offer. |
(5) Ibiza Rocks | | | | | | 6 | Toby Wynne | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Regressive on the Flat since last autumn and yet to show anything more than minor promise after three hurdling starts this season; open to improvement in handicap hurdles but others here have more pressing claims. |
2nd (2) Bellbird | | | | | | 4 | Brian Hughes | Donald McCain | Kept on strongly to win Ludlow novice (2m, good) in May but has not yet made any further progress in handicaps; drops back in trip after finding 2m6f on soft ground too taxing in July; needs to find something extra. |
(3) Motazzen | | | | | | 6 | Brendan Powell | Henrietta C Knight | Fairly useful on the Flat at his best and bettered disappointing handicap hurdle debut when keeping-on second at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in July; no surprise if he makes further progress here. |
(10) Brian's Jet | | | | | | 6 | Craig Nichol | Brian Ellison | 0-16 over hurdles but all five of this season's runs were respectable and he continues to edge down the weights; swaps cheekpieces for refitted blinkers here; probably won't be far away. |
(8) Northern Rose | | | | | | 4 | Robert Dunne | Gary Hanmer | 0-10 over hurdles but has largely been in good form this year; lost out only by a head when second at Stratford (2m2f, good) in July and has each-way claims again here. |
4th (9) Footloose Man | | | | | | 5 | Charlie Price | Richard Hobson | Kept on well to win conditional jockeys' race by 6l under positive ride at Fontwell (2m1f, good) a week ago, his eighth start over hurdles; avoids a penalty and is 7lb ahead of the handicapper here; high on the list. |
1st (1) Got Grey | | | | | | 5 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Justified strong market support when winning very cosily on recent stable debut at Stratford (2m, good to firm) and is 4lb ahead of the handicapper under his 7lb penalty here; obvious contender. |
Footloose Man escapes a penalty for last week's breakthrough win at Fontwell and is officially further ahead of the handicapper than recent Stratford winner GOT GREY (nap). However, Dan Skelton's runner seemed to have a considerable amount left in the tank on that stable debut and could still have significant further improvement to come for his new trainer. Motazzen and Northern Rose may fare best of the others.[Chris Wilson]
Race 8: 17:35 Bangor-on-Dee Bangor-On-Dee Novices' Limited Handicap Hurdle (Div II) (0-95) (5) 4yo+ GB 2m 145y
(7) Last Mission | | | | | | 6 | Conor Rabbitt | Maurice Barnes | Fair on the Flat in 2022 but has not shown a great deal over hurdles; unseated rider at fourth flight when 125-1 for handicap hurdle debut in May; returns from 108-day break here. |
(12) Strip Light | | | | | | 7 | Emma Smith-Chaston | Paula Smith | Always behind when a big-priced outsider for recent Stratford handicap and has now been unplaced all six hurdling starts; 1lb wrong here; cheekpieces refitted; difficult to enthuse over. |
(11) Vertical | | | | | | 6 | James Best | Sarah Humphrey | Lowly rated maiden on the Flat; not disgraced in two novice hurdles in July and now makes her handicap hurdle debut from a lowly mark but still makes only limited appeal. |
3rd (9) Grifter | | | | | | 5 | Sean Quinlan | Jennie Candlish | May not have handled soft ground when pulled up on handicap hurdle debut in November and remains unexposed in this sphere but has been out of form on the Flat lately and his tendency to race too freely is another worry. |
(3) Miss Mink | | | | | | 4 | Sam Twiston-Davies | Henry Daly | Bettered low-key hurdle debut when respectable fifth at Uttoxeter (2m, soft) in July but was pulled up after racing too freely on her latest outing and is tricky to predict on this handicap debut. |
(2) Walk The Moon | | | | | | 4 | Lilly Pinchin | Tony Carroll | Placed against own age-group on hurdle debut at Wetherby (2m, good) last autumn and contested quite valuable juvenile hurdles on other two starts last season; still unexposed in this sphere but recent Flat form does not inspire confidence. |
(10) Cofficionado | | | | | | 4 | Brian Hughes | Donald McCain | Went close on handicap debut at Market Rasen (2m, good) in May and was very respectable fifth at Stratford (2m, good to firm) recently, having again raced prominently; could still have a bigger run in him; shortlisted. |
2nd (8) Tropical Talent | | | | | | 5 | Toby Wynne | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Just did enough to open account in Sedgefield chase (2m1f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in May but has not been in the same form again since; needs this switch back to hurdling to perk him up. |
(5) Huit Reflets | | | | | | 7 | Jamie Hamilton | Mark Walford | Below form on soft ground a fortnight ago but has generally done well for new stable since the spring, most notably when winning narrowly at Hexham (2m, good) in June; headgear switched today; contender if back on song. |
1st (1) Prolific Profile | | | | | | 5 | Gavin Sheehan | Katy Price | Shaped with promise in two of his three qualifying runs last autumn (2m3f-2m6f) but finished down the field on handicap debut in March (2m4f); drops in trip after another break; others appeal more. |
(4) Cotoneaster | | | | | | 6 | Ben Poste | Ryan Potter | Unexposed mare who ran big race in defeat when second on stable/handicap debut at Uttoxeter (2m, good) in July, form that has been very well advertised by the winner since; must be considered here. |
4th (6) Pillar Rock | | | | | | 5 | Harry Skelton | Dan Skelton | Half-brother to useful hurdler Monviel; unable to land a significant blow in three novice hurdles in February/March (2m, good to soft/soft) but the switch to forecast good ground may enable improvement on handicap debut. |
Dan Skelton's handicap debutant Pillar Rock is open to improvement and will be feared if strong in the betting but COTONEASTER was nudged up only 1lb for her second to a next-time-out winner at Uttoxeter six weeks ago and she still has potential too. Huit Reflects and Cofficionado are others to consider.[Chris Wilson]