IEP Financial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 5m 33.85s

Graasten³³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 118| BF| C

5/1

Highly tried on Flat in Germany and showed ability over hurdles last term, including winning novice event at Plumpton. Absent 11 months since disappointing when favourite at Uttoxeter. Dropped 4lb and yard can get them ready, so is interesting.

Form: 2/23174-

Justification¹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 113

5/2

Back to same mark as when winning at Sandown 12 months ago, and shaped as though coming to hand when third at Wincanton last time. Yard in fine form and has great record here, so market worth a glance for him and stable companion Graasten.

Form: 315-593

Theydon Park^p⁶⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: T J O'Brien| T: M Roberts| OR: 112

16/1

Failed to score in 14 starts for Jospeh O'Brien having won on debut for Peter Charamboulos in 2016 Huntingdon bumper. Made promising start for new yard, going well until tiring at Lingfield 10 weeks ago. Should be fitter now.

Form: U460P5

Ding Ding¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: M Goldstein| T: Miss S West| OR: 110| CD

10/1

Won this race last year and also scored over C&D in November off 2lb lower mark but has generally disappointed since then. Tailed off latest and has something to prove given current form. Hopes rest on return to happy hunting ground.

Form: 671658

Norse Legend⁶⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 110| C

5/4

Won here in heavy ground way back in November 2014 but really lost his form last term. Makes debut here for top yard off a potentially lenient mark. Any market support would be highly significant.

Form: 2P60/7P

Ladofash^p¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-3| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 106

12/1

Well beaten on A/W last month and makes his handicap bow over timber here. Showed a glimmer of ability on first novice outing but well beaten last two starts. Others make rather more appeal.

Form: 357

Forecasts

Norse Legend (5/4), Justification (5/2), Graasten (5/1), Ding Ding (10/1), Ladofash (12/1), Theydon Park (16/1)

A change of scenery and the move to a top yard may revive the enthusiasm of NORSE LEGEND who would be well in on the best of his form of two years ago. He handles heavy ground and landed his only previous success at this track. Gary Moore sets a poser running both Graasten and Justification, with jockey bookings stiill unclear and the former returning from a spell on the sidelines. The market should guide as to their respective chances.Theydon Park is not without hope after a better first effort for his new yard, and last year's winner Ding Ding can't be ruled out either.