Sentinel localandproud Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:21 | Winning time: 3m 53.4s

The Bay Birch¹¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Stan Sheppard⁽³⁾| T: M Sheppard| OR: 128| C

15/2

Won four of seven for this yard and all ground seemingly comes alike. Mark the same as last win back in May which was over 2m4f here. Trip here a slight doubt but form overall rock-solid.

Form: 12112-1

Lucca Lady¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Mr Tommie M O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: Katy Price| OR: 114| D

8/1

Yet to win but placed in six of her seven hurdles starts to date including latest second at Sedgefield. Handicapper in her corner it seems so has to be expected to go well again.

Form: 22-3632

Toboggan's Fire²¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-5| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 107| D

11/2

Musselburgh soft ground winner on hurdles bow but disappointing next at Newcastle in near bottomless conditions which may have been the excuse. Length absence since but seriously unexposed for handicap bow.

Form: 14-

Solstalla^p¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: N de Boinville| T: D Weston| OR: 104| D

11/4

Worcester winner (2m) earlier this month and only raised 2lb which still leaves her 13lb below career high. Soft ground would be a doubt but otherwise well fancied.

Form: 354-551

Hermanus^p²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Miss Becky Smith⁽⁵⁾| T: Stef Keniry| OR: 102| BF| D

9/4

Won twice this summer before a decent third at Stratford although latest effort on more testing ground disappointing. Few doubts here especially if rain comes again.

Form: 371130

Soiesauvage^h,t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: P J Brennan| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 92| CD

9/2

C&D winner last year but form since mostly patchy. 8lb out of the handicap here which makes life very tough.

Form: 12554-4

Non-Runners

Stepover²¹

Weight: 11-3| Age: 7

T: A M Hales J: Lorcan Williams

Forecasts

Hermanus (9/4), Solstalla (11/4), Stepover (4/1), Soiesauvage (9/2), Toboggan's Fire (11/2), The Bay Birch (15/2), Lucca Lady (8/1)

It may pay to side with unexposed TOBOGGAN'S FIRE in this very competitive mares handicap hurdle. She won well first time up before getting bogged down at Newcastle. The Bay Birch has a great record for this stable and is certainly a danger. Lucca Lady looks to be getting close to a winning mark now and is also on the shortlist.