Meadows Celebratory Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:11 | Winning time: 3m 39.6s

Competition^t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Hammond⁽³⁾| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 120| D

7/2

Struggled in his first three handicaps but a drop into this grade at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good to soft) saw an improved effort 18 days ago. His best form is on a sound surface and the yard continue in good form.

Form: 23-74P2

Hallings Comet¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-5| J: Danny McMenamin| T: S Lycett| OR: 113| BF| CD

5/4

Has won 7/13 at this venue between 2m-2m4f. Possibly went off too quickly last time here (2m4f) but still ran well and the drop back in trip should help. Needs to get the fractions right from the front to give him the best chance.

Form: 04-0124

Oskemen^p¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: Fergus Gregory⁽³⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 112| D

25/1

Easy to excuse his last two runs (ground/fell) and his win under today's jockey at Uttoxeter (2m, good) on 30 June would see him be competitive in this contest. Jumping needs brushing up but can go well.

Form: 02-1F4

Excellent Team^t³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: C Brace| T: M Blake| OR: 110| D

4/1

Generally consistent individual who capitalised on a joint career-low mark to win at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last time. Likely to run his race but up in grade with 8lb rise so may be enough to prevent another victory.

Form: 2227-41

Solstalla¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Page Fuller| T: D Weston| OR: 106| CD

9/2

Shaped well after 263 days off here (2m4f, good) 18 days ago. Drop back to 2m a definite plus and is fairly handicapped on her best form, making her a contender if building on that latest effort.

Form: 34147-5

Forecasts

Hallings Comet (5/4), Competition (7/2), Excellent Team (4/1), Solstalla (9/2), Oskemen (25/1)

A trappy contest to end the card where a case can be made for all five runners but a chance is taken on OSKEMAN to regain the winning thread after excuses for his last two runs. Competition stays in the same grade as when back to form last time whilst Solstalla ran a nice race after a lay-off recently and will appreciate the return to 2m.