Thurlestone Hotel Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 5m 17.7s

Dusky Lark^t⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: James Best| T: R Walford| OR: 132

12/1

Four-time winner under rules was pulled-up on return at Bangor over 3m. This trip suits better and relishes heavy ground so those both plusses and on same mark over hurdles as last chase win in February.

Form: 22214-P

Zulu Oscar³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Matt Griffiths| T: J Scott| OR: 122

5/1

Has a good record overall although won just the once for this yard. Returns to that winning mark now as a result of three lacklustre efforts since the summer. Ground is a major concern.

Form: 71-7878

Here's Herbie^t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: Lucy Gardner⁽³⁾| T: Mrs S Gardner| OR: 121| CD

7/4

Won twice over C&D although both came in March 2014. Handicap sliding after not winning last term and ran well enough on return when fourth of 13 at Taunton. All ground comes alike to him.

Form: 72U85-4

Yalltari¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Charlie Deutsch⁽³⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 119

13/8

Built on promise of two novice hurdles when scoring easily in a Hereford handicap earlier this month on soft ground over 2m. Extra trip and heavy ground no concern and even 13lb rise may not stop him.

Form: 33-1

Billy Hicks^h²⁸⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: R T Dunne| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 113

7/1

Won final two starts last season at Ludlow and Chepstow, both on soft ground. Latest was a handicap for which he was raised 5lb. Biggest concern is lengthy absence.

Form: 2/9611-

Forecasts

Yalltari (13/8), Here's Herbie (7/4), Zulu Oscar (5/1), Billy Hicks (7/1), Dusky Lark (12/1)

Venetia Williams' runners seem to all handle heavy ground and YALLTARI has an excellent chance if as effective on this ground as he was on soft at Hereford. He has been hit hard by the handicapper but has been found an excellent opportunity by his trainer here. Veteran Here's Herbie ran quite well on return and is now 7lb below his last winning mark so ought to go well. Dusky Lark's last win came on heavy so better is expected of him here.