bet365 Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 6m 52.1s

Vive Le Roi²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: James Nixon⁽⁵⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 136

9/2

Had a fantastic 2018 culminating in a valuable handicap at Newbury when proving he can act on soft ground. Out of his depth in Grade 2 here on latest but this front runner has to be fully respected back in handicap company.

Form: 1121P5

Flashjack⁵⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: M G Nolan| T: H D Daly| OR: 132| D

7/2

Rattled off a four-timer in the mud at at around this trip a year ago. Not disgraced first two runs back and could probably have done with a stronger gallop at Haydock last time.

Form: 115-235

Corinto³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Fergus Gregory⁽⁵⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 120

8/13

Massive improvement for the step up to 2m7f when winning in style at Market Rasen last month. On that evidence the extra 2f today shouldn't be a problem and 11lb rise fully justified.

Form: 05341

Kayf Moss^b,t¹⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 10-9| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J L Flint| OR: 115| C

9/1

Veteran who returned to form when landing a gamble at Uttoxeter last April. Little promise on recent Newbury comeback and hopes would increase the more that fell.

Form: P/P0P1-0

Forecasts

Corinto (8/13), Flashjack (7/2), Vive Le Roi (9/2), Kayf Moss (9/1)

Corinto looked a progressive sort when bolting up on latest but the front running top-weight VIVE LE ROI may just get the run of the race and could take some pegging back. Flashjack is preferred of the other pair.