Optimum Pay Group Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 16:21 | Winning time: 5m 3.0s

Another Lincolnday^h²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Nathan Moscrop⁽⁵⁾| T: R Menzies

25/1

Modest handicapper on the Flat and lost his way since winning over an extended 2m1f at Pontefract last August. Has plenty to prove on his hurdles debut and is best watched.

Form:

Blazon^p¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 103

7/2

Enjoyed success in a bumper and on the AW on the Flat; already had a number of chances over timber and holds few secrets from the assessor. Represents a fair yardstick for a race of this nature though and his experience shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 4/P0435-

The Swagman⁷²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Aidan Coleman| T: S Durack

1/1

Made all to win a bumper at Newton Abbot in May, which was an improvement on previous form even though he's been nothing but consistent. Not outfaced on hurdles debut and well worth considering as a likely pace angle.

Form: 444-1

Your Band¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: L Treadwell| T: A Ralph

15/8

Consistent on the AW and also showed a real aptitude for the jumping game when second on his hurdling bow over C&D earlier this month. Should get the strong pace he needs and has been found a decent opportunity to make progress.

Form: 2

Forecasts

The Swagman (1/1), Your Band (15/8), Blazon (7/2), Another Lincolnday (25/1)

There was a lot to like about the manner in which The Swagman won a bumper when he was last seen in action and he will be a big threat to all if he takes to the jumping game with the same purposeful display. However, he may just set things up for a strong closer, which hands the batten on to YOUR BAND, whose hurdling debut over C&D was a sterling promise of better things to come and the youngster of the bunch looks the most interesting prospect on show. Blazon has more experience and is feared as a potential spoiler, while Another Lincolnday has a lot to prove and is best watched on his introduction to the jumping scene.