MansionBet Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:42 | Winning time: 3m 54.2s

Red Mix^h1¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 126

11/4

Disappointed last time, looking awkward, but had only just failed to make most at Ludlow prior to that. Respected, but jumping needs work, for all a hood may curb his waywardness.

Form: 5-23P24

Final Choice^p¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Lee Edwards| T: A West| OR: 121| D

40/1

Beaten a short-head over an extended 2m at Wolverhampton in November but disappointed over hurdles subsequently, and no sign of a revival on last couple of starts on the Flat. Gets another change of headgear here having worn blinkers last time.

Form: 17-81U4

Capone³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: N D Fehily| T: C J Mann| OR: 127| D

6/5

Useful maiden when trained in Germany, and won over hurdles at Ludlow in Janurary. Improved further when chasing home Quel Destin in Victor Ludorum at Haydock last time, and likely to have more to offer.

Form: 412

Dyliev^h¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: S Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey| OR: 118| CD

3/1

Thriving of late, and is aiming for a C&D hat-trick after landing a pair of 0-115 events here in recent weeks. Latest form is solid, and folly to ignore despite going up in class.

Form: 821211

Fransham²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Kielan Woods| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 115

17/2

Runner-up in a bumper in October (best of three efforts in that sphere) and decent fourth of nine (beaten 3½L) on hurdling bow. Didn't build on that last time, however, and this looks a tough start in handicaps.

Form: 72944

Forecasts

Capone (6/5), Red Mix (11/4), Dyliev (3/1), Fransham (17/2), Final Choice (40/1)

CAPONE improved again when second to smart juvenile Quel Destin in the Victor Ludorum hurdle at Haydock, and he can win again with further progress looking assured. Dyliev, a dual C&D winner is feared most, although Red Mix also has the talent to get involved if he can channel his energy more effectively.