Southern Cranes And Access Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:32 | Winning time: 4m 51.20s

Ivor's Queen^t¹²^{(ex 7)}

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: James Bowen⁽⁷⁾| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 126

13/8

In decent form over the summer and ended winless sequence of 13 with last time out win at Wincanton, coming clear to score nicely. This much longer trip is a bit of a concern but retain her chance in what is not a strong line-up.

Form: 342441

Royal Debutante^t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Fergus Gregory⁽⁷⁾| T: P R Webber| OR: 129

7/1

Faller on recent chase debut at Kempton over 2m2f, had progressed nicely in this sphere earlier in the year and stay this far but high enough in the ratings as a result of efforts back in the spring.

Form: 2731-2F

Kentford Heiress²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Daniel Sansom⁽⁷⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 126| C| D

5/1

Admirable mare took record over hurdles to 6-31 when scoring at Newton Abbot last month (2m5½f, good) in pleasing style. More will be called for off this increased mark but she's likely to give her running again and cannot be crossed off.

Form: 4-52231

Lady Of Lamanver^t⁵⁸⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: N D Fehily| T: H Fry| OR: 126

3/1

Not spotted for 587 days, most recently was first past the post in Listed Mares' novices contest at Newbury (2m4½f, good) in April 2016, though lost that race in the stewards' room. Market check on return.

Form: 33252D/

Postbridge²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: J M Quinlan| T: Mrs S J Humphrey| OR: 124| D

20/1

Likes to race prominently, and did well enough in her own grade over hurdles, winning twice for previous trainer Warren Greatrex (2m soft, 2m3f good to firm). Pulled up last month on debut for this handler in a novices' chase at Market Rasen.

Form: 3121-9P

Castafiore^p1,h1²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: Paul O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 123

14/1

Filly won a 2m soft-ground juvenile event at Ludlow in January impressively, though has struggled in handicaps since. Shaped with a bit more purpose on reappearance at Stratford last month over extended 2m but has questions to answer over this trip.

Form: 2F16P-5

Legend Lady³⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: L P Aspell| T: O Sherwood| OR: 121

15/2

Lightly-raced sort, was a clear second in similar event at Hereford a year ago over 2m when last spotted, form that has worked out well. Yet to run over this trip and market may serve as best guide to expectations on first run for 352 days.

Form: 1641/2-

Forecasts

Ivor's Queen (13/8), Lady Of Lamanver (3/1), Kentford Heiress (5/1), Royal Debutante (7/1), Legend Lady (15/2), Castafiore (14/1), Postbridge (20/1)

Assuming LEGEND LADY is fit enough to do herself just, she could be up to making a winning return. She was a clear second behind the progressive Midnight Tour on that occasion and could be ahead of her mark as such, though fitness must rank as a concern and so it would be nice to see home confidence in the market. Ivor's Queen scored last time out at Wincanton and has claims again if this trip doesn't find her out stamina-wise while another long-time absentee, Lady Of Lamanver, is also worthy of some close scrutiny on her return. For consistency, it is hard to knock recent Newton Abbot winner Kentford Heiress.