John Morse Solicitors Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 19:45 | Winning time: 5m 27.66s

Oakley Hall²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Adrian Heskin| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 116

7/1

His two recent runs over hurdles don't really inspire much confidence (also pulled up on chase debut before last break). Remains with just a bumper win to his name; hard to make a case for despite the handicapper relaxing his grip.

Form: F2/2PP-0

Percy Street^b,t¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 116

5/1

Failed to take to chasing last time in attitude or technique and quickly returned to hurdles having been soundly beaten. Helped by being given a test of speed in a weak race at Wincanton for his win in May; always one to be a little wary of.

Form: 2444-14

Mead Vale²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Buckley⁽⁷⁾| T: N J Hawke| OR: 114

3/1

Got the run of the race and first run on the second when taking a Taunton fast ground handicap (2m) in November off a 10lb lower mark. Held his form well since then (ran with credit back from a break last time); likely to give his running again.

Form: 51432-6

Victarion^p²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 113| D

13/8

Edged down the weights to score at Fontwell in March over this sort of trip (appeared suited by it); backed up that effort in a better race last time (fourth has won twice since). Showed that he could cope with this mark then; sound claims.

Form: 05F81-2

Tsundoku³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 109

12/1

Her recent Flat form has been regressive, but she appears to come alive more over hurdles having filled the runner-up slot on her last two jumping starts. Had the run of the race at Fakenham last time; should be able to get involved.

Form: 1F18/2-2

Polished Rock^t²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: James Best| T: J Farrelly| OR: 108| D

16/1

Returned from five months off to run a very lack-lustre race failing to get anywhere near the form he showed in a good spell during the autumn (landed three races). Given his last outing he looks one to treat with caution.

Form: 21178-4

Cape Hideaway²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 106

6/1

Wins over hurdles and on the Flat for his previous yard (Mark Walford) but has shown precious little in three hurdles starts for his current home. Looked out of sorts when last seen at Warwick; slid down the weights but needs to show some spark.

Form: 44/200-8

Forecasts

Victarion (13/8), Mead Vale (3/1), Percy Street (5/1), Cape Hideaway (6/1), Oakley Hall (7/1), Tsundoku (12/1), Polished Rock (16/1)

There was no disgrace in VICTARION coming second at Warwick last time in a race that looks strong form, he travelled well there and showed that he could cope with this mark and it won’t be a surprise to see him back on the winning trail. Tsundoku will have to improve on her second at Fakenham which confirmed she was in good form but she may not get the run of the race here with Mead Vale in opposition he’s shown that he can cope with this sort of mark and will be better with a recent return under his belt. Percy Street will appreciate a return to hurdling but he’s not really one to rely too heavily on.