17:25 Hexham

Wednesday 2 September 2020

All16:1516:5017:2518:0018:3019:0019:30

Follow At The Races On Twitter Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:25 | Winning time: 5m 26.7s

Lough Derg Jewel²⁴⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁷⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 122| D

14/1

Three-time winner over fences since last seen over the smaller obstacles in his novice days. Lower mark to play with and wouldn't rule out a good run if ready to motor (has gone well fresh).

Form: 36P12/6-

Melody Of Scotland^v⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 120| CD

9/2

Won twice here under this rider last summer and should have come on plenty for Uttoxeter return 7 weeks ago. Could go well in re-fitted visor and market support should be followed.

Form: 16227-9

Hasankey^p⁵⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-11| J: Adam Wedge| T: L Morgan| OR: 120

7/1

Got on top close home in 2m juvenile event at Wetherby at Christmas but well held upped to this trip on return at Market Rasen 7 weeks ago, his mark looking a stiff one. Others preferred.

Form: 521-6

Chieftain's Choice^b³⁴

Age: 11| Weight: 11-11| J: B S Hughes| T: K Frost| OR: 119| C

7/2

Multiple winner in handicap hurdles and a player on his Market Rasen comeback run now refitted with headgear.

Form: 3147-26

Aurora Thunder¹⁸⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Blair Campbell⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 117| D

11/2

Off the mark in this sphere last October at Ayr over this trip and fair runs next 3 outings before struggling in a listed event final start. More needed on return.

Form: 31222P-

War Brigade^b1,t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: T J O'Brien| T: Ian Williams| OR: 117

13/2

Novice hurdle winner who was contesting good handicaps when last seen in this sphere and has been ticking over on the level. Has slipped in the weights and definite player if he stays in the blinkers.

Form: 2126/00-

Meldrum Lad¹⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁷⁾| T: Justin Landy| OR: 112| D

11/1

Fair stayer not raced much in recent years and well beaten both starts back this summer. Has slipped further in the weights at least.

Form: 1/13P-80

Ballycrystal¹⁷⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 10-8| J: Miss Becky Smith⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 102| D

14/1

Novice hurdle/chase winner for Brian Ellison. Wasn't showing much when last seen and returns with yard quiet.

Form: 5PF/P46-

Wild Sam^b¹⁸⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 10-2| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 96

10/1

Returns just 1 lb above last winning mark having re-joined previous yard and goes well fresh, so no surprise to see a bold bid faced with ideal conditions.

Form: 141657-

Forecasts

Chieftain's Choice (7/2), Melody Of Scotland (9/2), Aurora Thunder (11/2), War Brigade (13/2), Hasankey (7/1), Wild Sam (10/1), Meldrum Lad (11/1), Lough Derg Jewel (14/1), Ballycrystal (14/1)

C&D winner MELODY OF SCOTLAND should have come on plenty for her Uttoxeter return and could be worth chancing with the in-form Richie McLernon back on board. War Brigade, and Wild Sam, who has re-joined Iain Jardine, are a couple of others to note in a competitive heat.