17:30 Worcester

Monday 9 July 2018

All13:5014:2014:5015:2515:5516:2517:0017:30

Hereford & Worcester Fire And Rescue Service Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:31 | Winning time: 3m 44.20s

Nachi Falls^t²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 12-4| J: Tom Buckley⁽¹⁰⁾| T: N J Hawke| OR: 122| C

14/1

Won here over fences last term and almost certainly in need of the run after long absence when fading after running well for some way at Southwell over 3m. Drastic drop in trip is a concern though but is not out of it.

Form: 3142P-8

Aardwolf¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-12| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 118| CD

4/1

Won three on the Flat for Mark Johnston and has done really well over hurdles for current handler since turn of the year, winning last two in brave fashion. Up 6lb for hat-trick bid but another win certainly not out of the question.

Form: 32-2211

Crushed²³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-11| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 117| BF| D

9/1

Landed maiden hurdle at Plumpton in May. Fair third in Cartmel novice hurdle then got struck into last time when odds-on and only fifth. Handicap debut off feasible mark and any amrket interest would be noteworthy.

Form: 7-135

Chieftain's Choice¹⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Aidan Coleman| T: K Frost| OR: 114| D

14/1

Consistent last year and went up 10lb as a result. Not so good this term and has finished last in each of his two most recent starts, although they came on heavy ground. May do better on this surface for last year's winning jockey.

Form: 232300-

Affaire D'Honneur^t1⁵⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: N de Boinville| T: K Frost| OR: 112WS

20/1

Won soft ground Fonwell novce hurdle for Harry Whittington in Ocotber 2016 having previously finished a fine fourth in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Joined new yard in February and didn't shine so has had wind op. Questions to answer now.

Form: P34/58-0

Jamacho³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 112| DWS

4/1

Won Newcastle bumper in March then Sedgefield novice hurdle in May for Brian Ellison. Good runner-up for new yard at Stratford last month but has since undergone a wind op. Interesting to see how he fares and is no forlorn hope.

Form: 3431-12

Excellent Team^t³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 108| D

10/3

Stayed on grimly to score at Uttoxeter last time and 6lb penalty looks a little harsh. In form though and represents top team so looks sure to be there or thereabouts once again.

Form: 7P60-51

Red Hot Chilly^h¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 106

6/1

Only just lost out last time at Ffos Las over this trip and likely to remain competitive despite a 3lb rise in his mark. Still open to improvement over hurdles, but 0-21 overall career record is a worry.

Form: 7U5/0-42

G'day Aussie^p,t¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Lee Edwards| T: Dave Roberts| OR: 103| D

14/1

Two wins to his name, both at this trip for Brian Ellison. Ran as though he needed the outing after being sidelined when shaping well for much of the trip here two weeks ago. Wears first time cheekpieeces and is one of the livelier outsiders.

Form: 327/5P-6

Forecasts

Excellent Team (10/3), Jamacho (4/1), Aardwolf (4/1), Red Hot Chilly (6/1), Crushed (9/1), G'day Aussie (14/1), Chieftain's Choice (14/1), Nachi Falls (14/1), Affaire D'Honneur (20/1)

Quite a competitive finale but the vote goes to the potentially favourably handicapped G'day Aussie who showed signs he retains ability on his run here a couple of weeks ago. Hat-trick seeking Aardwolf has plenty of weight but is a proper danger, and Crushed may well bounce back after a luckless effort last time. Affaire d'Honneur is thrown in on his old form but we remain to be convinced the old ability is still there, while Excellent Team and Jamacho are both respected in what may prove to be a good finish.