Sky Sports Racing Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:08 | Winning time: 4m 51.22s

Storm Rising^b²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: K Brogan| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 127

13/2

Fairly useful but enigmatic hurdler who led at a steady pace until falling 2 out on his recent return from an absence at Cheltenham. Claims if none the worse.

Form: 0F414/F-

Bard Of Brittany^p¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: N F Houlihan| T: Miss S West| OR: 126| C

5/2

Completed a double in ready style in March. Not disgraced on AW Flat on next 2 starts and respectable effort in a competitive event at Sandown back hurdling 15 days ago. This easier.

Form: 260118-

Story Of Friends^t,v1¹⁹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 126

3/1

Took his form to new level when taking 26.5f Newton Abbot handicap last September. Just as good when second there next time and given a break since lesser run at Cheltenham in October. New headgear.

Form: 8/F5120-

Playa Blanca²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Mr Nathan Brennan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 122

9/4

Completed hurdles 4-timer on return at Kelso in October. Form dipped over the winter but took a big step back in right direction when narrowly denied over C&D (good) 28 days ago. Leading claims.

Form: 206702-

Vive Le Roi⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Mr Jason Dixon| T: A W Carroll| OR: 122

7/1

Form: 35565-6

Forecasts

Playa Blanca (9/4), Bard Of Brittany (5/2), Story Of Friends (3/1), Storm Rising (13/2), Vive Le Roi (7/1)

A 2 lb nudge for PLAYA BLANCA's latest close second here is fair enough and he's selected to resume winning ways. Bard of Brittany ought to find this easier than the Sandown race he contested a couple of weeks ago and gets the nod for the forecast spot.