Jon Hearne Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:11 | Winning time: 4m 7.5s

Competition^t²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 119

11/2

Dealt a fairly tough hand over hurdles in handicaps due to his two Uttoxeter 2m novice wins last summer giving him a fairly stiff opening mark. Handicapper gradually easing back on him now; eased in grade, still has work to do.

Form: 123-74P

Empreinte Reconce^t⁷⁷

2/1

C&D hurdles winner (on debut last year) who returns from wind surgery having run creditably since that victory over timber. Ought to be capable of getting involved off this mark; market to guide on what's expected back from surgery/break.

Form: 16525-3

Khismet^p³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Tudor⁽⁷⁾| T: J L Flint| OR: 111| CD

9/4

Fit from the Flat and took advantage of fall in the weights to score over C&D in July quickly following up with ease a Ffos Las (escaped a penalty). 13lb higher now (career-high mark) but not necessarily weighted out of this; goes well over C&D.

Form: 5234/11

Manor Park⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: Adrian Heskin| T: A King| OR: 112

5/1

Useful Flat performer (won off 71); appears to have taken well to hurdles and stepped up on his debut at Ffos Las (2m) last time (flattered by proximity to very useful winner). Quickly switched to handicaps although mark isn't generous.

Form: 42

Good Time Ahead²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: J E Moore| T: J & S Best| OR: 105| BF

10/1

Staying type on the Flat (fair performer) who looks to be gradually going the wrong way over hurdles after a bright start. Certainly proved a big disappointment last time (effectively downed tools); visor worn the removed, one to be wary of.

Form: 2234

Silver Quay⁷⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Bryony Frost| T: J D Frost| OR: 104

14/1

Scored twice at the start of the year at Taunton (2m3f) but quickly went off the boil in two subsequent runs and failed to deliver any better off the back of a break here over further last time. Needs to prove himself again before being supported.

Form: 31189-P

Outrath^t²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-10| J: Joshua Moore| T: J & S Best| OR: 103

33/1

Two recent runs over hurdles (first for around four years) have more than likely been needed although both have been creditable efforts. Had a breathing op at the start of the year; still has ability but overall record isn't one that convinces.

Form: 1653/55

Forecasts

Empreinte Reconce (2/1), Khismet (9/4), Manor Park (5/1), Competition (11/2), Good Time Ahead (10/1), Silver Quay (14/1), Outrath (33/1)

A fair few different angles that could be taken into this race with market support for the Empreinte Reconce likely to be important given that this C&D winner is returning from a win op and a break, if it’s forthcoming she would be of interest. Manor Park despite his mark warrants consideration in this although he looks to have paid the price for getting close to a useful sort last time out. Competition comes into argument now that the handicapper is cutting him some slack but overall despite the hefty rise for her last two victories KHISMET is given the nod to complete her hat-trick especially being a dual C&D winner.