R.A.B.I./Joan Collison Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:33 | Winning time: 3m 49.15s

Distingo^v⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 132| CD

8/1

One of two runners from a leading stable at the track who showed some useful form over hurdles last season. Made a positive start to this season also and shaped better than his finishing would suggest in a top class handicap last time.

Form: 1P-2300

Brandon Castle^h,t⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Bryony Frost| T: N B King| OR: 130| CD

5/6

Multiple front-running winner on the Flat who has taken well to this discipline displaying the same go forward style. Already a dual C&D winner he now takes a step up in grade and into handicaps over obstacles the first time; more to offer.

Form: 11

Arthington²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Kevin Jones⁽³⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 129| C| D

6/1

Made the edge that he had in class tell when resuming winning ways in a slightly weaker heat than he had been contesting of late at Lingfield. Bumped into a progressive sort last time out (still performed well); should be in the mix off this mark.

Form: 3-50912

Royal Hall¹¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 116| BF| C

20/1

Looks suited by a longer trip these days so this bare 2m may be a little too sharp but has won his last three completed starts over hurdles. Unseated here last time over further; 5lb above his last winning mark; needs a career-best.

Form: 7/2111U

Desiremoi D'Authie⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 112| BF

3/1

Still a maiden but has given the impression on several occasions that he can win over hurdles. Looks better of late with more positive tactics used and went like the best horse at the weights last time (caught close home); not out of this.

Form: 52P342

Forecasts

Brandon Castle (5/6), Desiremoi D'Authie (3/1), Arthington (6/1), Distingo (8/1), Royal Hall (20/1)

An interesting heat with all of the quintet having some sort of chance with BRANDON CASTLE looking to add to his two C&D victories in novice company as he goes handicapping over obstacles for the first time. This is tougher but his Flat experience will stand him in good stead and his mark of 130 doesn’t look too onerous. Desiremoi D’Authie has yet to win over run over hurdles but turned in a good effort last time although positive tactics won’t be as easy to pull off here. Gary Moore won this last year and his Distingo ran better than his lowly placing last time having shown some very smart form last season and he’s preferred to his stablemate Royal Hall.