MansionBet MerryCheltmas Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:38 | Winning time: 4m 15.3s

Maskada²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 130| CD

13/8

Had usual hood left off when bouncing back to form with win in 2m handicap at Newbury (2m) in January. Similar form when second at Catterick (15.7f) since (despite hanging left) and claims again.

Form: 715312

Hijran¹¹⁶

10/1

Enjoyed a very productive 2018/19 campaign, winning 3 times. Lightly raced and more miss than hit since. Has undergone wind surgery.

Form: 6/6P2-05

Strike Hollow¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: R Patrick| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 108| D

13/8

Didn't kick on in bumpers for previous yards but promise to glean from each of her completed starts over hurdles this winter, fourth in a Chepstow maiden (19.5f) recently. Player now handicapping.

Form: 55/7-2F4

Undisputed¹³²

Age: 10| Weight: 10-0| J: Lee Edwards| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 103

10/3

Mares' maiden hurdle winner who was running with credit when last seen over hurdles back in 2018 for Noel Williams. Successful in points subsequently and interesting what the market makes of her now.

Form: 22/F11-2

Non-Runners

Sacre Coeur²⁶

Weight: 11-6| Age: 5

T: C J Mann J: Harry Bannister

Forecasts

Maskada (13/8), Strike Hollow (13/8), Undisputed (10/3), Sacre Coeur (5/1), Hijran (10/1)

STRIKE HOLLOW has shown definite promise on each of her completed starts over hurdles, fourth at Chepstow (19.5f) last time despite seemingly finding the trip stretching her. She may do better again now handicapping and gets the narrow vote. Maskada rates the lead threat, ahead of Sacre Coeur.