ECIC Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:36 | Winning time: 5m 6.3s

Minellatillmorning³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 111| D

15/8

Much-improved in two starts since going hurdling in 2018. Seeking a hat-trick after wins at Taunton and Fontwell, trip and ground fine and has to command major respect despite being 12lb higher in ratings.

Form: 4-47911

Fly Du Charmil^p³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Adrian Heskin| T: W Greatrex| OR: 110

9/4

Bumper winner on his debut who took his time to get off the mark over hurdles but did so last time in first-time cheekpieces at Ffos Las over 2m. That was a weak race but he has proved himself in conditions; up 4lb for that win and should go well.

Form: 055/4P1

Iniesta^p⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Philip Donovan⁽⁷⁾| T: M Blake| OR: 104

16/1

Scored in a Stratford seller back in October over shorter trip, not disgraced in low-grade affairs since but hard to side with all the same. Up in trip.

Form: 671322

Dark Invader⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 104

7/2

Duly stepped forward on his previous novice form when making his handicap debut off this mark recently. Looks as though he'll be better suited by this longer trip having looked rather short of pace over 2m last time; improvement expected.

Form: 42-344

Heluvagood^t³³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-4| J: C Gethings| T: V R A Dartnall| OR: 88

5/1

Mostly been a struggle in eight starts over hurdles, handicap mark plummeting as a result but hard to see a win looming up on evidence to date.

Form: 06-P446

Forecasts

Minellatillmorning (15/8), Fly Du Charmil (9/4), Dark Invader (7/2), Heluvagood (5/1), Iniesta (16/1)

MINELLATILLMORNING has really grabbed the initiative since going handicapping and comes here seeking a hat-trick after wins at Taunton and Fontwell. This will be tougher from the increased mark, but it is certainly not insurmountable and there should be more to come. Fly Du Charmil was a winner last time at Ffos Las and can go well up 4lb and over a longer distance while Dark Invader is also fancied to make a decent fist of things now going back up in journey.