PJ & KR Smith-Maxwell Horse Ambulance Service Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:06 | Winning time: 3m 53.1s

Leroy Brown²⁵⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 109| D

9/4

Bumper winner who returned with a good second over hurdles at Uttoxeter in July. Disappointed next 2 starts, however, remote second on handicap bow at Stratford. Off 8 months and could bounce back.

Form: 3P3/262-

John Betjeman^b⁵⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Fergus Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 109

3/1

Spurned a glorious opportunity to get off the mark at Plumpton in January, his jumping rather holding him back, and better effort since when respectable fourth in this headgear at Fontwell.

Form: 628264-

Mr Shady^p¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: James Davies| T: J S Moore| OR: 111

13/2

Fair Flat winner (ran well back in that sphere last time). Best effort over hurdles when second in 2m Wetherby juvenile in November and more needed.

Form: 426P-

Ascot Day^p²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Charlie Price⁽⁵⁾| T: B J Llewellyn| OR: 93| C

3/1

Fair Flat winner. Well held in maiden/novice hurdles at Ffos Las and similar story on handicap bow at Chepstow.

Form: 9965-

Alfa Dawn⁵²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: James Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 89

9/1

Fair maiden on Flat for Phillip Makin. Hasn't shown a great deal in 3 starts over hurdles, though was possibly unsuited by conditions last twice.

Form: 586/

First Destination¹⁸⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-3| J: T J O'Brien| T: R Stephens| OR: 86

12/1

Bumper winner but has looked poor so far over hurdles, well held in handicaps 8 months apart. Off 6 months. Down in trip.

Form: 1680P/0-

Non-Runners

State Crown³⁴

Weight: 11-10| Age: 4

T: Evan Williams J: Adam Wedge

Forecasts

State Crown (7/4), Leroy Brown (9/4), John Betjeman (3/1), Ascot Day (3/1), Mr Shady (13/2), Alfa Dawn (9/1), First Destination (12/1)

STATE CROWN responded well to cheekpieces when winning at Newton Abbot and a 3 lb rise looks on the lenient side. Leroy Brown disappointed after a good return at Uttoxeter last summer but it's still early days with him so he could emerge as the biggest threat after 8 months off.