Harpley Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 6m 23.25s

General Bux²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-7| J: Fergus Gregory⁽⁵⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 102| BF

6/4

Improved from first start to second for this trainer and was favourite when falling on his return to chasing at Lingfield last time. Reverts to hurdles from 1lb lower and 5lb claimed, while also up in trip. Entitled to consideration.

Form: 5P/674-F

The Lady Rules³³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: Jordan Nailor⁽⁷⁾| T: F Brennan| OR: 89

16/1

Took a step back in the right direction when 16L third in a Stratford selling hurdle on her stable debut last time, but has more to do here.

Form: 45-0643

Dowhatudodobest⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: J E Moore| T: P W Middleton| OR: 83

5/1

Placed in a couple of Irish point-to-points. Last seen on handicap debut from this mark at Plumpton in October, when race developed into a sprint. That would not have suited, but she is interesting over this longer trip if they go an honest gallop.

Form: 3-26644

Ring Minella^t¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: P Henderson| OR: 81

5/2

Well supported when scoring at Warwick (3m1f, good) in May, from 3lb lower. Outpaced over shorter on reappearance, but remains of interest back up in trip from this mark, and on good ground. Claims.

Form: P5P7-16

Midnight Queen^v1⁵⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 80

9/2

Won 3m2f Newton Abbot handicap chase on good, when 6lb lower in August. Held over hurdles at Fontwell last time. Visor may help, but more needed and shorter trip probably not in her favour.

Form: 5-1F1F4

Non-Runners

Shalamzar¹

Weight: 10-4| Age: 9

T: P S McEntee J: Non Runner

Forecasts

General Bux (6/4), Ring Minella (5/2), Midnight Queen (9/2), Dowhatudodobest (5/1), The Lady Rules (16/1), Shalamzar (20/1)

General Bux will probably be popular here and there is no doubt that he is interesting, but he also has to concede plenty of weight and the suggestion is RING MINELLA, who could go well back up in trip, with conditions to suit. Midnight Queen is not written off and Dowhatudobest could also get involved.