Team Ethos Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 5m 13.52s

Westend Story⁵⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 134| D

11/8

Finally off the mark over hurdles at Wetherby last time in good style. Up 10lb but this is a realistic assignment for him and soft ground clearly suits. Another bold bid is anticipated.

Form: 5/32B-41

Sleep Easy^p³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: N D Fehily| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 134

5/1

Has first run over hurdles since last summer here. Recent form on the AW (mostly at Southwell) is hardly encouraging but a return to his best form over obstacles would see him have a say.

Form: 3616-83

Soul Emotion¹⁵⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 125WS

3/1

Makes British debut and first run for this top trainer following wind surgery. Showed some good form in France and that is often a good source for talent from this yard; claims.

Form: 1435-PF

Winning Spark⁶²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: James Best| T: Miss J Du Plessis| OR: 123| D

25/1

Good on his day and versatile as regards the ground, but needs to bounce back off the same mark after being pulled up at Wincanton last time.

Form: 436-24P

Muthabir⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Daniel Hiskett⁽⁵⁾| T: R T Phillips| OR: 121

8/1

Back down in trip after finishing down the field in a very competitive affair at Doncaster last time out. Has won over a similar distance to this in the past but possibly better over further and handicap mark isn't appealing.

Form: 4-44310

Quids In^p,t²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: Ross Turner⁽⁷⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 118| BF

7/1

Yet to score in handicap company but despite that hasn't been given much assistance by the assessor (partly due to some good placed efforts). Probably needs a lower mark.

Form: 423458

Non-Runners

Lady Karina⁸³

Weight: 11-0| Age: 7

T: Miss V Williams J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Westend Story (11/8), Soul Emotion (3/1), Lady Karina (7/2), Sleep Easy (5/1), Quids In (7/1), Muthabir (8/1), Winning Spark (25/1)

Soul Emotion is an interesting prospect on debut for Nicky Henderson and is worth a check in the market but LADY KARINA appeals slightly more. Having fallen when seeking a hat-trick at Carlisle last time Venetia Williams' charge could return to winning ways here, especially as the traits she has shown in her races leave room for improvement and subsequent progression in form. Westend Story won well at Wetherby last time and is also considered.