NSPCC Conditional Jockeys' Training Handicap Hurdle (Part Of The Racing Excellence Initiative)

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 7m 7.6s

Oxwich Bay²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Isabel Williams⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 105

11/2

Never really took to chasing but there have been signs back over hurdles especially returning from a break last time that he could be ready to strike. Has flattered to deceive before so care needed; too well handicapped to ignore.

Form: 3F455-6

Nifty At Fifty¹⁸⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Bryan Carver⁽³⁾| T: J Scott| OR: 105

2/1

Has shown some fair form over hurdles without exposing his full potential since being switched to handicaps. Returns from a fair absence with this trip looking as though it may stretch him but an interesting one back over shorter.

Form: 5B4944-

Ulysses^p,t³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: William Marshall⁽⁶⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 104| BF

4/1

Wind surgery and a move to this yard predictably gave him the fillip that he needed to record his first win off a much reduced mark at Stratford (2m6f). Hasn't been able to match that level since off higher marks, can't be ignored at this level.

Form: 083-122

Sandy Boy¹³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 102

3/1

Not seen since he scored at Worcester earlier in the year when he showed signs of inexperience (took his time to knuckle down). That win confirmed some earlier promise, should progress but has an absence and a 5lb rise in the weights to defy.

Form: 0FU2-31

Robyndzone^p,t¹³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: N F Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 95| BF| D

12/1

Best efforts over hurdles have come since being switched to handicaps (with cheekpieces on) finishing second on both occasions off a 3lb lower mark. Should be able to hold his own although would need one or two to falter break his maiden.

Form: 9068-22

Boher Lad⁴⁴

Age: 12| Weight: 11-0| J: C J Todd| T: A Phillips| OR: 93| CD

7/1

Three-time C&D winner; ended a long losing run at Stratford in April building on the promise of a previous run. Bounced right back to form when recording his latest C&D win; not won off a mark this high since March 2017; should still be competitive.

Form: 521-261

Non-Runners

Go To Court²⁷

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: Micky Hammond J: Emma Smith-Chaston

Forecasts

Nifty At Fifty (2/1), Sandy Boy (3/1), Ulysses (4/1), Go To Court (5/1), Oxwich Bay (11/2), Boher Lad (7/1), Robyndzone (12/1)

A fair bit to be positive about here in a competitive end to the card. Boher Lad is reaching the veteran stage now but he’s always to be respected around here with Ulysses capable of bouncing back from two odds-on defeats although he’s yet to show he’s good enough to win off this mark. Sandy Boy is the obvious improver although his inexperience may make him a little vulnerable as he bids to overcome a 5lb rise for his last win off an absence. Go To Court and Nifty At Fifty certainly have potential although neither is proven at the trip. OXWICH BAY is given a speculative vote off what looks an attractive mark having shown that he still has plenty of ability under a considerate ride last time.