Smarkets Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:07 | Winning time: 4m 7.32s

D'Arcy's Sound²²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 112

10/3

Not disgraced in three novice hurdles so far having won a point-to-point before starting racing under rules. Looks on a fair handicap mark and should be able to give a very good account of himself on ground which should suit.

Form: 1/573

Jaune Et Bleue⁶⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 12-2| J: David Bass| T: David Dennis| OR: 112

5/2

Outclassed when thrown in at the deep end on British debut at Cheltenham last time (in the Grade 2 novices hurdle). Off for the best part of two years since and will probably need the run after a break.

Form: 441F0/

Rainy Day Dylan^h1,t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: T J O'Brien| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 108

5/2

Showed some promise in novice/maiden hurdles but hasn't been able to build on that in two handicap efforts so far. Down 2lb with a hood on but still likely to be much too high in the weights.

Form: 552-4P8

Multigifted^t³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: M Goldstein| T: M Madgwick| OR: 105

6/1

Useful Flat performer who has also shown some good form in softer conditions over hurdles. Makes her handicap debut in this sphere now and holds claims if building on a fair third at Lingfield last time out.

Form: 52-43

Irondale Express⁴⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Harry Cobden| T: F Brennan| OR: 88

10/1

0/12 over hurdles so far and well held in a mares' handicap at Chepstow last time in similar conditions. Down 2lb but plenty more is needed.

Form: 64/P33-6

Run Don't Hide^t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: James Best| T: P Henderson| OR: 84

12/1

Down the field in all starts so far, including on stable debut last time out. Difficult to see him turning that round now.

Form: 9-00900

Forecasts

Rainy Day Dylan (5/2), Jaune Et Bleue (5/2), D'Arcy's Sound (10/3), Multigifted (6/1), Irondale Express (10/1), Run Don't Hide (12/1)

On handicap debut D'ARCY'S SOUND should prove tough to beat. Venetia Williams' charge has shown ability in three novice hurdles so far and now making his handicap debut should find this a much more suitable level. He is already proven on the ground for a trainer who tends to do well in these conditions and he makes most appeal in a race where Multigifted may be next best after a good effort at Lingfield last time. Jaune Et Bleue will probably need this after a long break but completes the tricast.