bet365 Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:10 | Winning time: 3m 53.5s

Irish Roe²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Henry Brooke| T: P Atkinson| OR: 138| CD

9/4

Excellent form at this track including winning this last year and although 10lb higher today, she was in the process of running well at Cheletenham last month until falling. This likely to have been the aim and has to be on the short list.

Form: 12P6-3F

Cliffs Of Dover²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 136| BF| CD

4/1

Generally a front-runner and multiple winner as a juvenile two years ago. Pulled too hard when different tactics employed at Haydock last time and interesting to see if they revert to his old running style today.

Form: 1111/P-8

Solomon Grey³⁰⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 135| D

9/2

Took to hurdling well last winter with two wins and placed in strong novice events on other starts. Not seen since winning at Market Rasen in February and presumably has had a problem since though yard excellent at getting them back after a break.

Form: 2/22131-

Equus Amadeus²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Aidan Coleman| T: T Lacey| OR: 131| D

7/2

No impression in a strong handicap at Cheltenham last time. Had previously showed good attitude to score at Wincanton though demands a bit more.

Form: 3-54610

Chieftain's Choice^b¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: Sam Coltherd⁽⁵⁾| T: K Frost| OR: 123| CD

9/1

Switch to front running tactics paid off over C&D a fortnight ago when running his rivals into the ground. May have competition for the lead from Cliffs Of Dover on this occasion and this is tougher under an 8lb rise.

Form: 312371

Cubswin²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: N B King| OR: 123

22/1

Below form in a weaker contest at Huntingdon last time and a bit to prove after that especially as his better form prior to that needs improving on here.

Form: 132646

Zoffany Bay²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: B S Hughes| T: A Stronge| OR: 122

10/1

Has been keen all three runs over hurdles but still showed plenty of ability and would have gone close to following up his Plumpton win but for almost coming down at the last at Hereford last time. Likely strong pace will suit and has more to come.

Form: 216

Forecasts

Irish Roe (9/4), Equus Amadeus (7/2), Cliffs Of Dover (4/1), Solomon Grey (9/2), Chieftain's Choice (9/1), Zoffany Bay (10/1), Cubswin (22/1)

A decent pace is on the cards and IRISH ROE should have the race run to suit in her attempt to follow up her win in this a year ago. Zoffany Bay is dangerous off bottom weight and another who will appreciate the stronger pace and poses a big threat with Solomon Grey worth a look at in the market on the comeback trail.