Happy Big 70th Birthday Lynne Leaman Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 5m 17.90s

Ballycross¹⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Daniel Sansom⁽³⁾| T: Paul George| OR: 124| D

16/1

Starts life with a new yard having totally lost his way for Nigel Twiston-Davies (pulled up on last three starts). Possible that a new yard with rekindle his spirits and he is 4lb below his last winning mark; not one to have too much faith in.

Form: 243PPP-

Master Dancer^p³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: R Patrick⁽³⁾| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 124| C

8/1

Ran up to his best on his second run back from wind surgery at Ffos Las in May when 6lb above his last winning mark. Well below that performance last time at the same venue having had a spin on the Flat before; hard to recommend.

Form: 7/0F5-28

Hurricane Dylan¹⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.⁽³⁾| T: K Frost| OR: 123

5/1

Returns to hurdles having made his mark over fences at the start of the year winning at Leicester in February on unseasonably quick ground. Failed to really sparkle in two subsequent starts (stiff mark); returns to hurdles eased in the weights.

Form: 02313P-

Jimmy Rabbitte^h²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 121

1/1

Typical improver for this yard winning his first two starts for them before the handicapper exacted his revenge. Managed to overcome the increased mark last time turning in a career-best performance at Ffos Las; may have a little more to offer.

Form: 114-321

The Caller^v1¹¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: C Gethings| T: R Stephens| OR: 119

33/1

First start for this yard (cost £6,000 in June) but had looked to be going the wrong way when last seen under Rules (hunter chase) and in point-to-points. Not badly weighted on his previous hurdles form, hardly a solid proposition, visor first-time.

Form: 5/U16PP-

Ballon Onabudget³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 117

3/1

Yet to score for this yard but gradually finding his feet having finished second on his last three starts (all creditable efforts). Good second last time to a last time out unpenalised winner; up 2lb but should remain competitive.

Form: 128-222

Non-Runners

That's A Given¹⁰⁹

Weight: 11-5| Age: 5

T: P Hobbs & J White J: T J O'Brien

Forecasts

Jimmy Rabbitte (1/1), Ballon Onabudget (3/1), That's A Given (7/2), Hurricane Dylan (5/1), Master Dancer (8/1), Ballycross (16/1), The Caller (33/1)

The fact that Ballon Onabudget has found one too good in four of his last five starts suggests that he may have a struggle to get his head in front but he’s stepped up in trip here and that may allow him to break that cycle. Jimmy Rabbitte has been in fine form since joining the Newland yard already scoring on three occasions and overcoming what had looked a tough mark last time. Raised another 8lb here for his Ffos Las win more improvement will be needed especially as the race he won last time rather fell apart. THAT’S A GIVEN now gets his sights lowered after a break and judged on his Wincanton win he’s still nicely weighted in this; he looks the type to continue on the up.