Life Is Tough, But So Are You Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:23 | Winning time: -

Premier D'troice^p³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Miss Brodie Hampson⁽³⁾| T: A Watson| OR: 128

9/2

Signed off time in Ireland with victory and perfect start for new yard at Fakenham (23.4f) in February. Pulled up next time but back on track when second on return at Fontwell. Claims with a repeat.

Form: 2311P-2

Dadsintrouble²³⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 124

16/1

Dual hurdle winner back in 2017 and ran easily his best race since when 2 lengths second at Musselburgh (23.8f) in February. Did take a few runs to get back up to speed last term, however.

Form: 00/4642-

Storm Home^t³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 122

11/2

Ended last season out of sorts but back on track of late, 3 lengths third of 9 at Newton Abbot (26.5f) in September. Sound claims of hitting the frame again on that evidence.

Form: 4P65-33

Neville's Cross³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: R Johnson| T: T Lacey| OR: 118

11/10

Took another big step forward when easily winning 23.3f Uttoxeter handicap hurdle on return last month, coming clear with plenty in hand. Longer trip should suit and big chance again up 9 lb.

Form: S/2453-1

Fontley House²⁸⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 117

22/1

Confirmed previous promise when off the mark at Kempton (24.5f) in November but below that level at Hereford in January. Needs to bounce back following a break.

Form: 249215-

Dawn Raider^t³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Coltherd⁽³⁾| T: G Hanmer| OR: 115

80/1

Poor strike rate in Ireland and he offered little starting out for this yard last month. Handicapper has eased him 6 lb but he can only be watched at present.

Form: 55-69P0

Shah An Shah²²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 114

9/2

Progressive hurdler who proved suited by the step up in trip when landing a handicap at Doncaster 7 months ago. Entitled to come on for last month's Warwick return and he may step up again.

Form: 50431-8

Forecasts

Neville's Cross (11/10), Shah An Shah (9/2), Premier D'troice (9/2), Storm Home (11/2), Dadsintrouble (16/1), Fontley House (22/1), Dawn Raider (80/1)

NEVILLE'S CROSS showed much improved form in line with the longer trip/switch to handicaps when scoring on return at Uttoxeter last month, winning with plenty in hand. There is more to come from Tom Lacey's 5-y-o and he can defy a 9 lb higher mark. Premier D'troice and Storm Home both arrive in good form also and can give the selection most to think about.