Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 6m 19.9s

Laugharne^p,t1³⁰⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: R Johnson| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 119

4/1

Consistent staying hurdler who ran up to his best in his 3 starts back last autumn. Not seen since November though and has tongue tie fitted for return. Looks vulnerable.

Form: 13P/243-

Present Chief⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 115

8/11

Improver since switched to handicaps, benefiting from step up to 23.3f when opening hurdles account at Uttoxeter last month. 10 lb rise manageable and can go well again upped further in distance.

Form: 6672-21

Lord Springfield^t⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Nathan Moscrop⁽³⁾| T: Sara Ender| OR: 113

16/1

Opened account under Rules for new yard in 20f Southwell novice hurdle in July under this rider, plenty going his way and all out at the line. A lot more needed now handicapping up in trip.

Form: 635/D4-1

Merry Milan²¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 113

16/5

Fairly useful jumper who has just a maiden hurdle win to his name but several of his handicap runs bring him into the reckoning and he has a good record fresh. Should stay and is one to consider.

Form: 206575-

Non-Runners

Neville's Cross¹³

Weight: 11-5| Age: 5

T: T Lacey J: J J Burke

Forecasts

Present Chief (8/11), Neville's Cross (5/2), Merry Milan (16/5), Laugharne (4/1), Lord Springfield (16/1)

A good race with 3 last-time-out winners, the Uttoxeter scorers of particular interest, with NEVILLE'S CROSS narrowly preferred to Present Chief. He had a fair bit in hand a fortnight ago and looks the type to make up into a good staying handicapper for his red-hot yard. Merry Milan is more exposed than that pair but a big run from him on return wouldn't be a surprise.