Guernsey Down Syndrome Group Charity Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:31 | Winning time: 4m 17.61s

Dandy Times²⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: J M Quinlan| T: Joanne Thomason-Murphy

66/1

Took five attempts to get off the mark in Irish point-to-points (failed to complete on his first three outings). Trainer yet to have a winner, makes little or no appeal starting off under Rules.

Form: P/UP31-

Darkest Day⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore

7/1

Third in an Irish bumper for his former yard (showed a fair amount of ability). Improved on that run when making his GB/hurdles/stable debut at Sandown (may well have needed the run); finished a very creditable sixty, sure to improve.

Form: 36

Eurkash^h²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: W T Kennedy| T: P R Webber

25/1

Modest enough in bumpers he's taken a step forward to some extent over hurdles although as yet he looks far from the finished article. Shaped nicely at Ludlow last time under a considerate ride; needs this for a mark, looks one for handicaps.

Form: 7/49-74

Hold That Taught²⁵⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams

2/5

Cost £220,000 after winning his sole Irish point-to-point by 10L from a subsequent winner looking very impressive throughout that race. A stoutly-bred son of Kayf Tara he's a half-brother to five winners; one to keep on the right side of.

Form: 1-

That's A Shame¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore

66/1

Given a considerate and patient introduction in a Stratford bumper in May he was given a very similar start over hurdles last time at Plumpton. May well have needed the run last time, looks as though he'll need some time to blossom.

Form: 60

Uae Soldier¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: M Goldstein| T: P Butler

66/1

No form at all on the Flat in four AW/turf effort over various distances (showed more temperament than ability). Offered a little to work on from his hurdles debut but looked to revert to type last time; one who is best watched.

Form: 66

Yaa Salaam²³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 117WS

3/1

Five-time German Flat winner at up to 1m2f when trained by Andreas Wohler. Made an encouraging start over hurdles at Ffos Las in February; didn't quite match that form when last seen, still a leading player (had a wind op), needs a real test over 2m.

Form: 32-

Forecasts

Hold That Taught (2/5), Yaa Salaam (3/1), Darkest Day (7/1), Eurkash (25/1), That's A Shame (66/1), Uae Soldier (66/1), Dandy Times (66/1)

A race that lacks strength in depth but not interest as the two main players are very much up to winning a race of this sort but come from very different backgrounds. Yaa Salaam won five-times on the Flat when trained in Germany and has already flashed ability over hurdles for this yard and may be even better now back from a break and a wind op, conditions should suit. He's faced by an expensive purchase from the Irish point-to-point field HOLD THAT TAUGHT who has to live up to his £220,000 price tag but has every chance of doing so having won his only start by 10L between the flags. Darkest Day and looks the only possible danger to the big two; Eurkash should be noted for handicaps.