Blackmores Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) (4YO plus)
2m 4f Soft (Heavy in places)
Light rain
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115 Expert View: Improved up in trip landing a handicap by a neck off a 5lb lower mark here last time; effective 2m-2m4f, acts on heavy and good; should remain competitive off new mark in bid for four-timer.
Form Snapshot: He has won three hurdle races from 2m to 2m 4f on heavy ground. A winner at 5-1 in a hurdle race over this course and distance (heavy) on his latest outing last month, beating Fresh Speculation by a neck. Has won 3 times here this season.
116 Expert View: Small step back in right direction when fourth beaten 14l in a handicap hurdle here latest; trainer in form; effective 2m-3m, needs some give; chance if building on latest.
Form Snapshot: He has won four hurdle races from 1m 7f to 2m 4f on good to soft and soft ground. Finished 14l behind Libre De Choeur when fourth of 7 at 12-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 3m (heavy) last month.
104 Expert View: Still green, improved again landing a handicap by 4 1/4l off a 9lb lower mark at Wetherby last time; returning from long layoff; effective at 3m in sound surface; might need this back from a break.
Form Snapshot: Successful in two hurdle races at 3m on good ground. Won on his latest outing in a hurdle race when 11-8fav at Wetherby over 3m (good) in March last year, beating Aazza by 4 1/2l.
101 Expert View: Pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Newbury latest; effective 2m1f, acts on heavy; may have more to offer but mark stiff.
Form Snapshot: A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 1f on heavy ground. Pulled up 3 out when 8-1 at Newbury over 2m 4f (soft) in a hurdle race won by De Kingpin last month on his latest outing.
109 Expert View: Improved up in trip on handicap debut beaten by well treated rival beaten 2l off a 3lb lower mark at Warwick last time; effective 2m-2m3f, acts on soft; more to come in handicaps.
Form Snapshot: Placed in two hurdle races and a point-to-point from five starts. Beaten 1 3/4l by Harry Bright when second of 6 at 9-4 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Warwick over 2m 3f (soft) last month.
105 Expert View: Improved when 9l third in a maiden hurdle at Sedgefield most recent run; effective 2m-2m4f on soft and good; improvement likely now handicapping.
Form Snapshot: A winner of a point-to-point at 3m on yielding ground. Third of 10 behind Follow Your Luck beaten 9l at 14-1 on his latest outing in a maiden hurdle race at Sedgefield over 2m 4f (good to soft) last month. Having his first run for a new stable today.
108 Expert View: Bit below form up in trip when fourth beaten 26l in a handicap hurdle at Newbury latest; stays 2m1f-2m4f, acts on heavy and soft; fairly consistent at useful level over hurdles and fences in France but yet to fire for new yard.
Form Snapshot: A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 1f on soft ground. Well beaten at 16-1 behind De Kingpin when fourth of 12 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Newbury over 2m 4f (soft) last month.
105 Expert View: Needed run, may have found ground too testing comfortably held in a handicap hurdle here last time; cheekpieces first time; needs 3m, acts on good; galloping tracks will suit.
Form Snapshot: Placed in two hurdle races from 11 starts. Finished 20l behind Sparkling Duke when sixth of 7 at 13-2 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 3m (heavy) earlier this month. He is wearing cheekpieces for the first time. Having his first run for a new stable today.
Jukebox Fury commands attention on his return to action for the in-form Nicky Henderson yard, while Up To Trix will be winning a race like this sooner rather than later. However, it might pay to stick with EL GAVILAN, who is chasing four wins on the spin (all at this track) and seemed to improve for the extra yardage here last time.
Jukebox Fury was progressive when last seen in the spring, winning back-to-back, but those victories came on a sound surface so the ground is a concern back from 12 months off. The 5yo EL GAVILAN has been on a roll himself, winning three in a row at this venue on deep ground, and he looks capable of defying a further 5lb rise. Double Click isn't ruled out lightly down in trip with him down to a fair enough mark now. He hasn't been in the best of form but we know he's capable.
| Distance | Record Time |
|---|---|
| 2m 4f | 4:20.50 |
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