Call Star Sports On 08000 2349709 Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 18:30 | Winning time: 3m 52.7s

Stonecoldsoba²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 12-2| J: Aidan Coleman| T: D P Quinn| OR: 112| D

17/2

Refound some form to score decisively at Huntingdon latest, coming right away after the last for a comfortable win. Upped 9lb for that, but won with that in hand and if jumping a bit more fluently (doesn't always) has every chance of the follow up.

Form: 7U7791-

Nikki Steel⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 108| D

4/7

Has recently returned from a long absence and performed much better on latest start when second to a likely improver at Ludlow. This is arguably easier, and will probably try to make all, but the question is whether track will suit. Chances if so.

Form: 3212/P-2

Major Davis³¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 105

8/1

Yet to win in eight starts and a bit disappointing on occasions when well fancied, jumping so far has let him down (had an early unseat at Uttoxeter last June too) but the ability is there if he can put in a more fluent round.

Form: 542/2U2-

Sue Be It^t³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: Mrs N S Evans| OR: 102

14/1

Still a maiden after 13 starts and has displayed the odd flash of temperament, placed in a couple of handicaps over the last year but often pulls hard and in this small field, may have little cover. Track another unknown and others make more appeal.

Form: 8U2553-

Salix³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: D A Jacob| T: B Pauling| OR: 105

6/1

Has pulled hard all three starts and will need to settle better here, but a better effort when fourth at Kempton last time and given a fair opening handicap mark. Taken out of Southwell yesterday to run here, and has chances.

Form: 464-

Clock On Tom⁶²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: B Leavy| OR: 100| D

33/1

Placed in sellers last season but well beaten on two recent starts on the Flat. Got to go back over two years to find his last win and likely to find a few of these a bit too quick for him.

Form: P40/523-

Forecasts

Nikki Steel (4/7), Salix (6/1), Major Davis (8/1), Stonecoldsoba (17/2), Sue Be It (14/1), Clock On Tom (33/1)

Salix will be popular here as he's unexposed and looks to be getting the hang of things, but he really will need to settle better or he'll find the final punishing climb here at Towcester a step too far. Major Davis has found the obstacles a stumbling block so far but a clear round may well see him on the premises, Stonecoldsoba too could tidy his jumping up (despite winning last time) so a chance is taken that NIKKI STEEL will find this track to his liking. He looks well enough handicapped if so.