Davy Russell Festival Blog At starsportsbet.co.uk Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:46 | Winning time: 5m 12.70s

Sharp Reply²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Patrick Cowley| T: C T Pogson| OR: 98

33/1

Has been beaten by more than 30L in each of his hurdles starts in novice and maiden company. As a 65-rated Flat handicapper he should be capable of showing now handicapping off this mark and the longer trip may help also.

Form: 3U50

No Alarm^t²⁰⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Fergus Gregory⁽³⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 92

11/2

Had looked the sort to improve when handicapping (especially with this yard) but that didn't prove the case back in the summer. Assessor has offered some assistance back from the break and too soon to discount him.

Form: 54-7PP0

Kahaleesi⁵²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Cillin Leonard⁽¹⁰⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 82

18/1

Pulled up on handicap debut at Stratford (2m½f, good) in October and off since. Trainer has two in this line-up and looks second choice on riding arrangements.

Form: 85P47/P-

Coisa Blanco^t,v1²³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Ross Turner⁽⁶⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 78

2/1

Responded to headgear last time in a Taunton seller and a different combination employed here. This longer trip looked as though it would assist further so has to enter calculations off a lower mark.

Form: 8430P3

Indian Reel^b²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-6| J: C Brace⁽³⁾| T: C R Dore| OR: 78

9/2

Back to form at Huntingdon in similar company last time under this rider. Up 4lb and has run well off higher but an overall record of 1-27 tempers enthusiasm.

Form: 6F6702

Bertie Blake^p⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Ross Chapman| T: P A Kirby| OR: 78| BF

13/8

Has been supported on last four starts in similar company and has run well without delivering. This looks a bit easier though and rider is a highly experienced conditional.

Form: 042382

Non-Runners

Arboretum¹⁰

Weight: 10-2| Age: 11

T: M E Sowersby J: Harry Stock

Forecasts

Bertie Blake (13/8), Coisa Blanco (2/1), Indian Reel (9/2), No Alarm (11/2), Kahaleesi (18/1), Arboretum (25/1), Sharp Reply (33/1)

Arboretum only found the last half-mile beyond him at Southwell and the C&D winner will have pleased connections. He could be a surprise package here but preference is for BERTIE BLAKE. Phil Kirby has secured Ross Chapman who is as good as having a professional to ride against these conditionals. The six-year-old has been expensive to follow of late but this looks an easier test. Coisa Blanco and Indian Reel both shaped well last time in weak races but both are frustratingly inconsistent. Olly Murphy saddles two with jockey bookings signalling preference for No Alarm. He's done little but a market move would make him interesting in this company.