15:23 Worcester

Thursday 7 October 2021

All13:3814:1314:4815:2315:5816:33

Ann Hitchings Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:23 | Winning time: 5m 1.75s

Samtara¹³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Patrick Cowley⁽³⁾| T: M Keighley| OR: 112

15/2

Has a number of good efforts to his game but ran one of his lesser races at Warwick when last seen in May. Type to bounce back after a break.

Form: 3229-28

Jesuitique²⁰⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Cillin Leonard⁽⁵⁾| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 110

7/1

Fairly useful handicap hurdler in France who won at Pau in January and creditable third at Mont-de-Marsan last time. Has joined a yard that does well with new recruits, so requires a close look.

Form: 704173-

Always Resolute^v¹²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: C J Todd⁽³⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 110| BF| D

11/1

Bagged 2m4f Newbury handicap hurdle in March but below form since, including on the Flat.

Form: 9519-75

Jakamani²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: N de Boinville| T: M Bradstock| OR: 109

5/1

Has improved for a wind operation, runner-up at Stratford before going one better at Fontwell (19.2f) last time. Hiked up 11 lb but remains low mileage, so further progress not ruled out.

Form: 007-721

Colden's Dream¹³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 111| BF

9/1

Shaped well when second in 16.8f Newton Abbot novice on debut. Unsuited by steady pace at Southwell next time and remains open to plenty of improvement now making a quick switch to handicaps.

Form: 24

Druim Samhraidh⁷²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Tom Cannon| T: J Farrelly| OR: 108

6/1

Fairly useful bumper winner but off four months before pulled up in C&D handicap hurdle 72 days ago. Needs to get back on track.

Form: D/0U35-P

Admiral Balko^t²¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-2| J: Chester Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 102| D

7/1

Belatedly built on hurdling debut promise when making a winning handicap bow at Wincanton (19.8f) in March. Only 4 lb higher on this return to action and open to further improvement. Good claims.

Form: 2531-

On The Meter¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: J E Moore| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 99

33/1

Runner-up in 2 bumpers but just modest form at best over hurdles and failed to come on for his belated return in first-time cheekpieces at Plumpton 18 days ago. Into handicaps with something to prove.

Form: 2424/54

Shaw's Cross¹³³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-10| J: Nick Scholfield| T: P Henderson| OR: 94

25/1

Fair hurdler who is now 10 lb below his last winning mark but has struggled so far in 2021. Back up in trip and could only consider if backed.

Form: 4/P0-6F8

Alberic^t¹⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 88

3/1

Going the right way at a low level when last seen in the spring, third in 10-runner handicap at Ffos Las (20f) on final outing, and has since joined Philip Hobbs. Should have more to offer.

Form: P6646-3

Forecasts

Alberic (3/1), Jakamani (5/1), Druim Samhraidh (6/1), Jesuitique (7/1), Admiral Balko (7/1), Samtara (15/2), Colden's Dream (9/1), Always Resolute (11/1), Shaw's Cross (25/1), On The Meter (33/1)

An interesting race and preference is for COLDEN'S DREAM, who is well worth another chance to progress now making an early switch to handicaps. Admiral Balko is only 4 lb higher than when winning at Wincanton in March and remains unexposed, while Alberic is another who should continue to progress this season having joined a top yard.