Le Raaj Sedgefield Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 18:25 | Winning time: 4m 24.1s

Man Look³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 120| C| D

7/4

A consistent type that is ideally suited by this sort of trip. Has to give plenty of weight away but has been performing with credit against a better calibre of opponent and, given his yard won this race last year, a bold bid cannot be discounted.

Form: 31033-6

Waltz Darling^p²²³

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Ross Chapman⁽³⁾| T: G Boanas| OR: 108| CD

16/1

Been given a chance at the weights but takes a significant drop in trip and needs to prove he still has the ability to cope with a likely stronger tempo in his advancing years. Others more convincing.

Form: 282355-

Apterix⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Danny Cook| T: B Ellison| OR: 108| C

5/4

Proved to be a better chaser than a hurdler (has won over fences at this course before now) but is on a stiff mark in that sphere, so reasonable to see him back at this level. Ought to be fitter and has sound claims after a couple of recent spins.

Form: 6P45-54

Tiger Trek¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁷⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 105

16/1

Just a solitary maiden hurdle win to his name and concerning that he's only been seen in two sellers since June 2017. Will be a big training feat if he can turn back the clock, but only a strong move in the betting would inspire confidence

Form: 4234-32

Stags Leap^p³⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-8| J: Henry Brooke| T: Julia Brooke| OR: 102| D

5/1

Returned from a wind operation to win in good style last time out and has to be respected despite the 7lb higher mark. Still feasible he can improve and, with the step up in trip not expected to be an issue, he makes the shortlist.

Form: 12/77-61

Forecasts

Apterix (5/4), Man Look (7/4), Stags Leap (5/1), Waltz Darling (16/1), Tiger Trek (16/1)

A tough one to call despite the lack of number as the likes of Stags leap and Apterix have very little to find to get competitive at this level, while Tiger Trek ran well in a seller when last seen and may still have something more to offer. He may well prove the decision to keep him ticking over is correct. However, the nomination as the one to be on goes to MAN LOOK, who gets the nod on grounds of consistency. It's also noteworthy that the gelding's yard won this race last year and, given that he's held his own in better company, top weight may be no barrier to success this time around.