racingtv.com Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 5m 53.20s

Midnightreflection^p1⁵⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Bryan Carver⁽³⁾| T: B I Case| OR: 129| D

11/4

Notched second success in good style at Plumpton (25f) in December and creditable fourth off 9 lb higher at Kempton last time. Not taken lightly in first-time cheekpieces now.

Form: 1-30214

Desaray Girl¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Joe Colliver| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 123

4/1

Won first 3 starts over hurdles for Philip Kirby last season. Largely underwhelming since but not disgraced after wind op when fourth last two runs, in Newcastle jumpers bumper latest. Respected.

Form: 49-7044

Schiaparannie³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs V Makin| OR: 121| C

8/1

Winner of 2 of her first 3 starts for new yard this season, in 2¼m Kelso handicap on latter occasion. Turned in poor effort at Newbury last time though so needs to get back on track.

Form: 64-1517

Baby Ticker⁷¹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-4| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁷⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 121| D

18/1

Enhanced excellent record at Ayr when landing 20f heavy-ground handicap in December. Back from a break but still merits consideration once more despite 5 lb rise.

Form: 4161-41

Runasimi River⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Millie Wonnacott⁽⁷⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 117

7/2

Improved performer last term, winning 4 times, and signalled she's ready to strike again when second of 12 in handicap at Doncaster (19.4f) 43 days ago. Weighted to go very close now.

Form: 3116-42

Sexy Lot¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: David Noonan| T: D Pipe| OR: 114| BF

11/4

Form: 241122

Non-Runners

Fontaine Collonges⁴¹

Weight: 10-12| Age: 6

T: Miss V Williams J: Charlie Deutsch

Forecasts

Fontaine Collonges (7/4), Midnightreflection (11/4), Sexy Lot (11/4), Runasimi River (7/2), Desaray Girl (4/1), Schiaparannie (8/1), Baby Ticker (18/1)

None of the septet can be safely ruled out but RUNASIMI RIVER scored four times last season and looks primed for a bold showing after an encouraging second at Doncaster. Fontaine Collonges rates a big threat stepping up in trip on her handicap bow and the progressive Sexy Lot is another well worth a second look.