Betfred 'Watch Sky Sports In Our Shops' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:08 | Winning time: 5m 28.90s

Transient Bay^p⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: A Nicol| T: P A Kirby| OR: 112| CD

8/1

Seems to reserve his best efforts for Uttoxeter these days, twice a C&D winner in heavy ground in the last 14 months and some poor efforts elsewhere. Pulled up last time but return to favourite venue may well spark a revival.

Form: 14-0P1P

Billy Hicks²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Mr J Drinkwater⁽⁷⁾| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 111| BF

15/8

Twice a winner around this time last year, and looked about ready to strike again when beaten under a length at Towcester latest. Step back up in trip may help and with no ground issues, should go close if repeating that run.

Form: 611-264

Mr Fitzroy^t¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: James Davies| T: Miss J S Davis| OR: 110

14/1

Some moderate form figures but just gave an indication at Chepstow last time that all may not be lost yet. Has had wind surgery since and is well enough handicapped if it has a positive effect. Risky, but not ruled out.

Form: P-04FU7

Commodore²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Aidan Coleman| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 110

5/1

Looked the winner at Towcester latest (just in front of Billy Hicks) but caught right on the line. Clearly a race in him but no guarantee this extra distance will do the trick. Yard going better now though, so not discounted.

Form: 14-P842

Lord County^p¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: Mr Ed Glassonbury⁽⁷⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 115

10/1

Won back-to-back handicaps in January but handicapper had his say after that and he's found life a lot harder since. May need to pull out a bit more if he's to get involved.

Form: 631135

Sackett¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Teal⁽⁷⁾| T: N B King| OR: 106| D

9/4

Had been knocking on the door prior to latest well-backed success at Hereford, finding plenty for pressure. Upped in grade and in the weights here, so needs more, but on an upward curve and probably hasn't finished winning yet.

Form: 2PP321

Forecasts

Billy Hicks (15/8), Sackett (9/4), Commodore (5/1), Transient Bay (8/1), Lord County (10/1), Mr Fitzroy (14/1)

Despite the small field, not easy to solve, and sorting out the likely pacemaker might prove the key to the race. On that score, SACKETT, who battled on in game fashion at Hereford, might be the most likely winner. He's improving and can go in again before the handicapper starts to get a grip with him. Transient Bay comes alive at Uttoxeter and can simply never be ruled out here. Billy Hicks is solid as well but a market move for Mr Fitzroy would need taking note of.