enhancedbets.co.uk Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 4m 56.1s

No Hiding Place¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 120

4/1

Looked booked for the runner-up spot at Towcester latest but fought back well and wrestled the win back in the last stride. Handicapper sensible with a 3lb rise, does need to show this trip suits as well, but clearly in good heart.

Form: 48225-1

Mahlermade^t³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 117

10/1

Has shown ability in bumpers and novice hurdles and nothing much wrong with his third to a useful one at Warwick last time, looking like a bit further would suit. Goes into handicaps here and every chance with another small step forward.

Form: 5/625-3

Touchy Subject²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: David Bass| T: Miss J S Davis| OR: 114

16/1

Showed his third at 100/1 at Ludlow in April was no fluke when second at Fakenham last time, although he looked hard work at times and was a little flattered. This track may suit better, and it's early days, so could improve again.

Form: 2093-3

Flo'sboy Sam^b²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 110

12/1

Had looked to be going nowhere (and had shown signs of temperament) before springing a 40/1 surprise at Wincanton last time out, the wind operation seemingly doing the trick. No reason not to run his race now, and may progress again.

Form: 47PRP-1

The Black Squirrel²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 108

3/1

Second to Flo'sboy Sam at Wincanton last time out and 6lb pull in the weights gives him every chance of getting closer this time, but winner may be more progressive and he may need to pull out a bit more to turn it around.

Form: 21657-2

Salix⁹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: B Pauling| OR: 105

5/4

Looked hard to handle on first couple of hurdles starts but has really got the hang of things recently and could not have won any more easily at Huntingdon last week. Penalty to carry, but that won't stop him if he's in the same form here.

Form: 464-41

Forecasts

Salix (5/4), The Black Squirrel (3/1), No Hiding Place (4/1), Mahlermade (10/1), Flo'sboy Sam (12/1), Touchy Subject (16/1)

Mahlermade looks a likely improver but so too is SALIX, who was impressive when scoring at Huntingdon last week, where he could be called the winner some way out. If he's in the same form here, then a penalty isn't going to stop him. He can win again. No Hiding Place may need more after his Towcester win, so preference for the places is for Flo'sboy Sam, who improved plenty last time out and now he seems to be over his physical ailments, can progress again.