Alex Timpson Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 5m 16.09s

Chti Balko²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 132

11/4

Fallen to mark 3lb below last win in 10-race near two year losing run. Fifth on return at Ffos Las a satisfactory effort and he should come forward for it. Not the most compelling case but is capable.

Form: 23390-5

Burrows Park¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 132| D

7/2

Won three times last season from 2m4f to 3m2f. Ran out of steam on return over 3m on heavy at Cheltenham but in this easier contest and with fitness now likely boosted he could resume last season's progress.

Form: 23910-6

Joke Dancer²²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 131

12/1

Newcastle win last season took record at the time to 4-9 but flopped twice subsequently. Unproven beyond 2m (one previous try) but probably will stay and certainly revels in these sort on conditions. Stable's slow start to the season is a concern.

Form: 115/100-

Liberty Bella²⁰⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: J M Quinlan| T: B Eckley| OR: 125

14/1

Won well at Ludlow (2m5f) and Hereford (2m5½f) before coming unstuck in Sandown Grade Two and Cheltenham Listed race at the end of her novice campaign. Handicap/season debut today but unproven on heavy ground.

Form: 7/61154-

The Wolf²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Adrian Heskin| T: O Murphy| OR: 125| D

7/4

Kept really good company in winless campaign last season but in calmer waters last time he showed his ability when hacking up at 4/7 in a Fakenham novice hurdle. Sure he has more to come now handicapping and could easily be well in here.

Form: 37343-1

Idilico^p²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: Ian Williams| OR: 122

10/1

Former French trained gelding made a winning start over hurdles at Uttoxeter last season but struggled thereafter and especially when sent handicapping. Little impression on return at Wetherby so still has a bit to prove.

Form: 452U0-5

Forecasts

The Wolf (7/4), Chti Balko (11/4), Burrows Park (7/2), Idilico (10/1), Joke Dancer (12/1), Liberty Bella (14/1)

Although he was expected to win last time out one couldn't fail to be impressed by THE WOLF and Olly Murphy's novice looks the sort who should be able to win plenty of races this season between novice and handicap hurdles. The biggest danger looks to be Burrows Park who was profitable to follow last season and there is no reason Venetia Williams' charge can't continue his upward curve this term. Chti Balko is becoming frustrating but he should strike soon off this sort of mark.