William Hill Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 18:30 | Winning time: 3m 55.20s

Montestrel^t1⁵⁶⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Chester Williams⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 133

20/1

Looked promising when landing a Chepstow juvenile hurdle on debut in October 2018, but disappointing both starts since and 18-month absence to overcome. Tongue strap enlisted.

Form: 165/

Teqany^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 130

9/4

Resumed winning ways at Stratford (2m) last September and has made the frame both starts since return to action in July. Should make his presence felt.

Form: 1/321-34

Constancio³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 122| D

9/4

All-the-way winner of Class 2 Stratford handicap hurdle last summer and, having shaped well on return at Southwell (15.8f, good to firm) in July, he needs considering.

Form: 2/1843-4

Ferrobin^p¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 117| D

7/2

Capitalised on a falling mark when scoring in first-time cheekpieces at Fontwell (17.7f, good to firm) a fortnight ago. Remains feasibly treated and he's the one to beat.

Form: 896-U51

Karakoram^t¹⁷⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-9| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: G Harris| OR: 116

10/1

More good efforts than bad ones since Ludlow breakthough success in October, but it could be that the handicapper has his measure for now.

Form: 352236-

Magical Thomas^p,t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-1| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 108| D

8/1

Successful off this mark at Fontwell last spring and also scored twice in the Channel Islands in 2019. Not disgraced over C&D 27 days ago and he's worth considering.

Form: 82314-3

Forecasts

Teqany (9/4), Constancio (9/4), Ferrobin (7/2), Magical Thomas (8/1), Karakoram (10/1), Montestrel (20/1)

Though he probably doesn't hold any secrets from the handicapper, TEQANY is pretty reliable on the whole and looks a safer option than Ferrobin, for all that he resumed winning ways last time and remains on a potentially handy mark. Cases can also be made for Magical Thomas and Constancio, but Karakoram looks weighed up to the hilt and Montestrel's well-being needs taking on trust.