14:03 Southwell

Monday 22 March 2021

All12:3013:0013:3014:0314:3315:0315:33

Jigsaw Sports Branding Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:03 | Winning time: 4m 2.88s

Blueberg³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Isabel Williams⁽⁵⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 110

8/1

Showed plenty of ability when reaching the frame in novice hurdles at Ffos Las this winter but needs to shrug off a disappointing run on Sandown handicap debut 32 days ago.

Form: 8345

Bran^p⁵⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 109WS

16/1

Step back in the right direction in cheekpieces (retained) when fourth of 8 on 2m Taunton handicap debut 58 days ago. Has subsequently had wind surgery. Remains relatively unexposed.

Form: 9FP-PF4

Dariya³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Fergus Gregory⁽³⁾| T: M Keighley| OR: 109| D

25/1

Dual handicap hurdle winner for Charlie Longsdon in September but has found life tougher in varied company since. Remains 7 lb above those winning marks.

Form: 115355

Captain Jack²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: R T Dunne| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 108

6/4

Encouraging return from a monster absence when 2 lengths second of 14 over C&D last month. 8 lb rise not too severe given the first 2 were a long way clear. Good shout if in same form.

Form: 35536/2

Ashton Court¹⁶⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Adrian Heskin| T: Simon Earle| OR: 108| BF

20/1

Failed to win in Ireland but was consistent, finishing runner-up 4 times in the first half of the season. Could play a part if ready to roll for a new yard after 5 months off.

Form: 622526

Perfect Predator^p¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Kielan Woods| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 102| D

10/1

Some decent efforts to his name when in the care of Alan King, but this irresolute performer has offered little in 4 starts since joining this yard. Refitting of cheekpieces needs to spark revival.

Form: 229909

Silkstone^b²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 96

11/2

Mark has come down and more encouraging signs when third in a pair of handicaps around 2m to end 2020. Raced too freely when stepped up to 19f at Catterick last time and return to 2m a help.

Form: 404330

Drumochter^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 95

40/1

Fair up to 1¼m on Flat 2017. Yet to reach that level in a light hurdle career since. Would need to see market support to seriously consider.

Form: 543/07

Island Nation²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: David England| T: O Murphy| OR: 101

7/1

Fair middle-distance handicapper on Flat for Heather Main. Hooded, best run over hurdles when 14 lengths fourth at Market Rasen last time. Flat ability gives him scope for improvement in handicaps.

Form: 504

Hurricane Ali⁵²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: Stan Sheppard| T: J Mackie| OR: 90

15/2

Yet to make a significant impact over hurdles but latest 15 lengths fourth at Doncaster was a bit better. Need to build on that now.

Form: 69504

Freedom Chimes^b¹⁰¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Mrs R Gasson| OR: 70

150/1

Long-standing maiden who has offered little this season. Another tough ask from out of the weights.

Form: 00-40U0

Forecasts

Captain Jack (6/4), Silkstone (11/2), Island Nation (7/1), Hurricane Ali (15/2), Blueberg (8/1), Perfect Predator (10/1), Bran (16/1), Ashton Court (20/1), Dariya (25/1), Drumochter (40/1), Freedom Chimes (150/1)

ISLAND NATION's Flat form marks him down as a potential improver over hurdles now handicapping so he gets the nod over last month's C&D runner-up Captain Jack. Silkstone should be suited by the return to 2m and is also on the shortlist.