16:45 Kelso

Saturday 23 March 2019

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Ferguson Planning & Development Handicap Hurdle (Div 1)

Off time: 16:47 | Winning time: 5m 8.1s

Touchedbyanangel²¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Thomas Willmott⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 116

4/1

Stable debutant who was progressing well when last seen in the summer for Andrew Oliver in Ireland (won three handicaps). Only once before tried at this trip (handicap debut); should have more to offer; 12lb higher than when last seen.

Form: 881131

Lord Wishes^b³⁷

Age: 12| Weight: 11-12| J: Steven Fox⁽⁵⁾| T: J Ewart| OR: 114| C| D

9/2

Useful handicap hurdler/chaser in his time; only just returned from a substantial break, still showed some zip despite the advancing years. Twice a course winner; well handicapped on his old form; dangerous to discount if able to repeat last run.

Form: 6PU0/6-4

Kerisper⁷⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Jordan Nailor⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 112

9/2

Southern raider whom has had his travails over fences failing to complete the last twice. Took a step back in the right direction when last seen returned to hurdles (fourth to a couple of next time out winners); would need to back that run up.

Form: 3/7-7BU4

Ask Paddington^h¹⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Alain Cawley| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 111| D

7/1

Bumper/hurdles winner who appreciated the step up in trip when winning over obstacles at Sedgefield (fourth attempt). Now steps in handicaps for the first time off a workable mark (stable has a modest record with this type); back from a break.

Form: 216331

Craig Star^b1⁶⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 108| CD

12/1

Dual course winner (once over C&D) who appears to have lost his way this term especially in his last two runs here. Tried in cheekpieces last three starts; blinkers now given a go for the first-time; on a good mark if he does piece it all together.

Form: 582555

Temple Man⁹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Ruth Jefferson| OR: 103| C

25/1

Novice hurdle winner over 2m here (improved on his initial hurdles start); sparingly seen since, failing to compete on both of those starts (let down by his jumping over fences last time). Handicap debut over hurdles but does have a bit to prove.

Form: 24/51F-P

Benny's Secret^h²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Grant Cockburn⁽³⁾| T: N W Alexander| OR: 102| BF| CD

6/1

Course specialist in the race (generally at home here) who has slipped back below his last winning mark (scored back-to-back C&D wins in late 2017). Returns from chasing (last three starts; been running well) to hurdles; player off a strong gallop.

Form: 803523

Fully Booked⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Rachel McDonald⁽⁵⁾| T: A M Thomson| OR: 99

15/2

Makes plenty of appeal on paper due to his pedigree having been tried over various trips in novice hurdles; best effort here over 2m7f (travelled well). No surprise to see him attract some interest back up in trip for his handicap debut.

Form: 6945

Reivers Lodge¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: James Corbett⁽⁵⁾| T: S Corbett| OR: 96| C

13/2

Returns to the scene of her sole win (1-23 over hurdles) having shaped quite well last time at Musselburgh after three months off. Just 1lb above her last winning mark she's hardly a winning machine but deserves some consideration in this heat.

Form: 568UP3

Forecasts

Touchedbyanangel (4/1), Lord Wishes (9/2), Kerisper (9/2), Benny's Secret (6/1), Reivers Lodge (13/2), Ask Paddington (7/1), Fully Booked (15/2), Craig Star (12/1), Temple Man (25/1)

None of those with prior handicap form standout unduly and the lightly-raced handicap debutante with an attractive jumping pedigree FULLY BOOKED could well be of interest stepping into this sphere for the first time. Ask Paddington another first-timer in handicaps also merits respect off a mark that looks far from harsh. Off those that have competed in this sphere already the Lucinda Russell newcomer Touchedbyanangel also enters the equation while course specialist Benny’s Secret who returns to hurdles can’t be ruled out especially if he gets a decent pace to aim at. Craig Star would be a danger if he does find his old form; he lurks on a dangerous mark, blinkers going on for the first time.