Bet At toals.com Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 13.60s

Kimberley Point^h²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 123| CD

6/4

Dual winning hurdler who showed the benefit of her debut in this sphere when winning at Uttoxeter showing a good turn of foot. Won again over C&D despite not looking the finished article and should progress more; serious contender for the hat-trick.

Form: 280-211

Birch Vale³²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 110| D

7/1

A dual winning hurdler on contrasting ground earlier this year who didn't need to improve to defy a penalty on the 2nd occasion at Hexham (odds-on). Given a break after she returned to make her handicap debut but ran poorly at Ayr (soon beaten).

Form: 2412-10

Canny Style^t¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Nathan Moscrop⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss J E Foster| OR: 110| D

6/1

Fair Flat performer who has taken quite well to hurdles and scored her 2nd hurdles win on her debut for this yard after being sold for £5,000 out Kevin Ryan's yard. Raised 5lb for that win gained gritty style in a first-time tongue-tie.

Form: 2133-51

Darlyn²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: James Davies| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 99| D

6/4

Showed improved form to get off the mark last time on her 2nd handicap start showing a good attitude; looking as though she would be suited by further than 2m. Given a rather harsh 9lb rise for that win; runner-up did little for the form last time.

Form: 4-4R441

Forecasts

Darlyn (6/4), Kimberley Point (6/4), Canny Style (6/1), Birch Vale (7/1)

Despite the small field this is a tricky little affair to sort out and whilst Alan King’s KIMBERLEY POINT isn’t obviously well treated on her handicap debut she does look as though she can overcome this mark and there was a lot to like her C&D win last time. Darlyn could still be on the up but this track/trip look a little sharp for her and she is 9lb higher for her win at Uttoxeter. Plans for a wind op that were talked about last time for Canny Style must have been shelved and she should run her race again although a flat spot similar to the one she hit at Sedgefield when winning last time would be a worry.