Stone Of Destiny Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:41 | Winning time: 3m 45.9s

Mirsaale⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Callum Bewley⁽³⁾| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 137| CD

7/1

Useful dual-purpose gelding that was a winner on the Flat at Ripon in April, and was far from disgraced in the Ascot Stakes afterwards. Has a good record at the track (three wins) and solid chance of victory again.

Form: 91636-4

Parthenius^t1¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 128| BF| D

2/1

Improving 5yo that's possibly been a bit unlucky not to get his head in front last two starts, better jump at the final flight might have sealed it at Stratford last time. Up another 6lb for that but a surprise if top yard can't eke a bit more out.

Form: 137-22

High Expectations¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: R Johnson| T: G Elliott| OR: 124| CD

7/2

Winner at Leicester last November but form went off the boil a bit after that, although was quite highly tried at Aintree. C&D winner and represents a yard that can never be discounted here, but a little to prove at present.

Form: 0/U1P-45

Caius Marcius^p1¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 123| CD

4/1

Back over hurdles after three tries over fences where he was a runner-up three times. Twice a winner at the track, so clearly conditions no problem, and is on a fair mark. Chance if readjusting back to hurdles smoothly.

Form: 89-5222

Captain Felix²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: J M Quinlan| T: J M P Eustace| OR: 121| D

4/1

Winner at Market Rasen in July and ran well in the Listed event there last time out, not beaten far despite being a little keen, Seems to need to go right-handed, so track will suit, and can't be discounted in a tricky event.

Form: 3517-14

Politeness¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: Craig Nichol| T: R Dobbin| OR: 113| CD

12/1

Twice a winner here this summer but both of those wins came over 20f, and he doesn't seem quite as effective at this trip. Steps up in class here too, and might be that the handicapper has him at present.

Form: 8/2-5113

Forecasts

Parthenius (2/1), High Expectations (7/2), Caius Marcius (4/1), Captain Felix (4/1), Mirsaale (7/1), Politeness (12/1)

Not easy to solve. With a few of these best coming from just off the pace, it could be that CAPTAIN FELIX might get an easy lead on the front. He can be a bit free, but it doesn't seem to stop him and if his pilot can keep a bit for the closing stages, he might be hard to pass. Parthenius looks an obvious danger from a yard that's been firing all summer, and Mirsaale has such a good record here that he too has to be considered, despite giving chunks of weight away.