188Bet Extra Places At Cheltenham Friday Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 4m 32.9s

Always Resolute²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: C R King| T: B Ellison| OR: 119

10/1

Hinted he may be able to exploit falling handicap mark when fair fourth last time in Class 3 event at Market Rasen. Testing ground a concern with big weight but warrants respect.

Form: 28/6674

Take A Break^t²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Tom Cannon| T: N J Hawke| OR: 113

2/1

Scored in heavy ground at Hexham in September. Mainly disappointing since but did run a better race off falling mark when third at Carlisle recently. Won't be far away.

Form: P5P563

Danceintothelight^t¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-5| J: Abbie McCain⁽⁷⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 112| C| D

7/4

Been a fine servant winning 10 races and ran well when runner-up here last time under today's rider. Drops back in trip and raised 2lb and profile suggests this ground wouldn't be ideal but will give it a good go from the front.

Form: 264462

Eastview Boy³⁹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Thomas Dowson⁽³⁾| T: P A Kirby| OR: 110

4/1

Well suited by heavy ground but absent since pulling up in handicap chase at Uttoxeter 13 months ago. Has claims off this mark if fit enough so a close market check is recommended.

Form: 5U162P-

Russian Royale^p⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-0| J: Miss Becky Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 88| D

15/2

Six wins in total under both codes but has generally been at her best on a sound surface. Has very little weight though so if she handles conditions wouldn't be out of it despite failing to shine this winter.

Form: 559-975

Forecasts

Danceintothelight (7/4), Take A Break (2/1), Eastview Boy (4/1), Russian Royale (15/2), Always Resolute (10/1)

TAKE A BREAK is a tentative choice in a tricky little handicap. He goes well on this surface and on his best form this term has a sound chance. Veteran Danceintothelight should bowl along and they wouldn't want to give him too much rope, while top weight Always Resolute is starting to look fairly handicapped but there is a niggling doubt about him handling the heavy ground. Any signs of nibbles in the market for Eastview Boy after 13 months off would prompt a second glance.