Follow wetherbyraces On Twitter Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:51 | Winning time: 5m 4.78s

Secrete Stream⁶³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: J M Jefferson| OR: 136

11/8

Returned from a lengthy absence to score over a similar trip at Uttoxeter in November. Has been given time before returning to the racecourse and has strong claims of making it a third win at this track from a 7lb higher mark.

Form: 24516/1

One For Harry³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: R D Day⁽⁵⁾| T: N G Richards| OR: 135

9/1

Ideally would like more rain to be seen to best effect, though did win on good to soft at Carlisle 14 months ago. Most recent success came in this race last year from 2lb lower and with the stable going well, plus this drop back in trip from his latest outing, he should again be a leading contender.

Form: P6-P122

Nautical Nitwit¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: A Nicol| T: P A Kirby| OR: 127

8/1

2lb higher than when scoring here in October on good ground. Would prefer better conditions than he will get here and recent efforts leave him with a bit to do.

Form: 131B8F

Applesandpierres³⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Ian Popham| T: D Skelton| OR: 125

10/1

Winner of half of his four starts, including when sticking on gamely at Uttoxeter last time. While the bare form of that race is nothing to get too excited about, he may now be able to progress in this grade.

Form: 13FF21-

Capitoul²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Charlie Hammond⁽⁷⁾| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 123

7/2

Consistent performer in France, being placed in both bumpers and hurdles, before landing a maiden at Ayr on his first start since joining his current yard. More than likely that his trainer will elicit further improvement and he is not discounted with a conditional on board on this first handicap outing.

Form: 0-231

Bruce Almighty^p¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 115

5/1

Scored at the first time of asking for these connections when doing so in a novices' handicap at Carlisle in March of last year. Back on the same mark here and with going and trip ideal, he is one to consider.

Form: 1261-5P

Non-Runners

Ozzy Thomas¹⁷

Weight: 10-9| Age: 7

T: Henry Oliver J: C Gethings

Forecasts

Secrete Stream (11/8), Capitoul (7/2), Ozzy Thomas (9/2), Bruce Almighty (5/1), Nautical Nitwit (8/1), One For Harry (9/1), Applesandpierres (10/1)

A case can be made for a number of these but there was plenty to like about the return of Secrete Stream in the autumn and he gets the vote. His patient connections have given him plenty of time before bringing him out again and despite top weight he can continue to progress. Last year's winner One For Harry again looks to be short-list material, though it is unlikely that he will get his ideal conditions. Applesandpierres may not have beaten much last time, but his talented trainer has him going the right way again and he is not ruled out, while both Capitoul and Bruce Almighty merit respect. 1. Secrete Stream 2. One For Harry 3. Applesandpierres