Holdcroft Renault Handicap Hurdle (For The Mercian Regiment Challenge Trophy)

Off time: 16:02 | Winning time: 5m 56.9s

Winterfell⁶⁹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 127

7/1

Won a juvenile hurdle in France and only run for Dan Skelton saw him finish a creditable second to Sceau Royal at Warwick. Has joined another top stable, but this is his first run for the best part of two years and he is likely to need it.

Form: 512/

Western Climate⁶⁸⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: S Bowen| T: T H Weston| OR: 125

9/2

Has only had five runs over hurdles, but managed to win a novice event at Hereford in February. Well beaten on his last two starts and has something to prove on his return from a break.

Form: F2P5P3/

Sporting Boy^b,t⁴⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: N D Fehily| T: J Farrelly| OR: 122

11/4

Much the better of his two runs after a two-year lay-off saw him finish second of 11 at Newton Abbot. Stays well, but has still to prove he is the same force as he was in his younger days when he won seven times over hurdles.

Form: 2115/02

Solway Dandy⁵⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: Callum Bewley⁽³⁾| T: Miss L Harrison| OR: 121

11/2

Consistent enough off this sort of handicap mark, but last win came in May, 2015. Should run his usual solid race without getting his head in front where it matters.

Form: 22/6-233

Beneficial Joe^h²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Kielan Woods| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 120| D

4/1

Last win came at Hexham a year ago to the day. Feasibly handicapped off only 3lb higher, but recent efforts have not suggested an imminent return to the winner's enclosure.

Form: 2FF357

Muthabir²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Ian Popham| T: R T Phillips| OR: 118

9/2

Winner of three hurdles who returned from a break to finish fourth of 12 over C&D last month. Assuming he has come on for the run, he can make a bold bid.

Form: 64514-4

Non-Runners

Oh Land Abloom¹⁴⁸

Weight: 11-12| Age: 7

T: N B King J: Harry Teal

Royale Knight⁵

Weight: 11-2| Age: 11

T: Dr R D P Newland J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Sporting Boy (11/4), Beneficial Joe (4/1), Western Climate (9/2), Muthabir (9/2), Solway Dandy (11/2), Winterfell (7/1), Oh Land Abloom (7/1), Royale Knight (7/1)

Top weight Oh Land Abloom should make his presence felt and Winterfell is interesting on his return from a long absence, but both are opposable so MUTHABIR is the selection following his decent effort over C&D last time in the hope that the run has brought him on. Sporting Boy, Solway Dandy and Beneficial Joe are others to consider.