15:47 Taunton

Thursday 10 December 2020

All12:0712:3713:1013:4214:1514:4715:1715:47

Dave Criddle Travel - Let's Cruise Again Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:47 | Winning time: 6m 26.85s

Solstalla²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr Nathan Brennan⁽⁷⁾| T: D Weston| OR: 100

33/1

Successful for the fifth time in this sphere back from a break at Warwick (19f) in September. However, below par both starts since and she's worth taking on.

Form: 0-27106

How's The Cricket²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: K Brogan⁽⁷⁾| T: J Farrelly| OR: 100

5/2

Improved again when second at Uttoxeter and behind a pair or subsequent winners when fifth there next time. Back on track at Wincanton 3 weeks ago and he's likely to appreciate this extra distance.

Form: 5-73253

Cushuish¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Sean Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: R H Buckler| OR: 100| CD

11/2

Off the mark over this C&D a year ago and stepped up on reappearance when third of 14 in handicap hurdle at Exeter (21.6f, heavy) 18 days ago. Can make presence felt.

Form: 3P/21-53

Lightonthewing²⁶⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Lucy Gardner| T: Mrs S Gardner| OR: 96

33/1

Poor in bumpers and little impact in a trio of novice/maiden hurdles at 100/1. Significantly upped in trip for handicap debut after 8 months off.

Form: 006800-

Mystic Court²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Kimber⁽⁷⁾| T: Nick Mitchell| OR: 96

6/1

Maiden hurdle winner who was proving consistent for former yard and enters calculations on quick turnaround for new trainer back in handicap. Normal headgear left off.

Form: P24465

Beyond Supremacy^t1⁹⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: T J O'Brien| T: Mrs H E Rees| OR: 96

100/1

Yet to show much spark but there were signs of encouragement when third of 8 in novice hurdle at Exeter over 2½ years ago. Makes handicap bow on first run for yard after leaving Jack R. Barber.

Form: 08P043/

Somerset Jem¹⁰³²

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: James Best| T: K Bishop| OR: 94| BF

50/1

Patchy record overall but capable when on-song, as he showed when a good second off this mark over C&D on penultimate start. Not so good last time and likely to need this after nearly 3 years off.

Form: 7P3426/

Jalingo^b²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: David Noonan| T: A Stronge| OR: 93

33/1

Regressive type who has made little impact in both starts this term.

Form: F9/66-55

Motts Cross^p¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Bryan Carver⁽³⁾| T: C J Down| OR: 93| CD

11/4

Successful at this C&D in March 2019 and proved he retains his ability 21 months on when runner-up at Exeter (21.6f, heavy) 18 days ago. Expected to be bang there with that under his belt.

Form: 79P61/2

First Assembly⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: J McGrath| T: R Bandey| OR: 92

14/1

Kicked off his handicap career with 3 solid placed efforts last winter. Probably needed the run in first-time cheekpieces after 7 months off at Fontwell in October but others preferred.

Form: 5/4223-8

Lakeside Lad¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Kevin Jones⁽³⁾| T: J W Mullins| OR: 90

13/2

Well held in maiden/novice hurdles but ran a lot better than in his first handicap when second of 9 (12/1) at Lingfield (23f, heavy) 14 days ago. Doesn't look well treated, however.

Form: 69992

Forecasts

How's The Cricket (5/2), Motts Cross (11/4), Cushuish (11/2), Mystic Court (6/1), Lakeside Lad (13/2), First Assembly (14/1), Jalingo (33/1), Solstalla (33/1), Lightonthewing (33/1), Somerset Jem (50/1), Beyond Supremacy (100/1)

MOTTS CROSS proved he retains his ability 21 months on from his win over this C&D when finishing runner-up at Exeter last month. He's taken to build on that and go one better here with Bryan Carver keeping the ride. How's The Cricket rates as the main danger having got back on track at Wincanton 3 weeks ago and this significant step up in trip should suit, with Cushuish another to consider.