Vera Davies Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 3m 43.0s

Sorbet^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Bryony Frost| T: L Wadham| OR: 115| D

8/1

Won twice in spring before solid third under double penalty in Market Rasen novice. However, recent return in Warwick handicap was disappointing.

Form: 631-135

Kensington Art^b¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 112| D

9/2

Dual Flat winner who opened account over hurdles in maiden company at Hexham (16.2f) in August. Well held in Kelso handicap since, though.

Form: 343-215

Just The Man¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Adam Wedge| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 109

9/2

Showed benefit of a spin on Flat when creditable third of 9 in novice hurdle (4/1) at Stratford (16.3f, good) 17 days ago. Could be a player returned to handicapping here.

Form: 30327-3

Lucky Robin²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Coltherd| T: B Ellison| OR: 109| D

12/1

Fair jumper who was revived all of a sudden when scoring at Sedgefield (16.8f, good) last month. Not disgraced over fences since and should give another good account.

Form: 4F-P912

Edinburgh Castle^t⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 108

4/1

Fairly useful Flat performer who has placed all 5 starts over hurdles, latest when runner-up at Stratford (18.7f, good) in August. Not seen to best effect on level since and is a leading contender.

Form: 33232

Yauthym²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 106| D

3/1

Made the most of a good opportunity when scoring at Worcester (16f) in May. Yet to build on that in 2 subsequent starts, though, and others more appealing.

Form: F23-134

Karakoram^p,t¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Lewis Stones⁽⁷⁾| T: G Harris| OR: 85| CD

11/2

Sole success came over C&D 2 years ago. Posted solid fourth on recent return at Uttoxeter but overall profile is uninspiring. 4 lb out of the weights.

Form: 76877-4

Forecasts

Yauthym (3/1), Edinburgh Castle (4/1), Just The Man (9/2), Kensington Art (9/2), Karakoram (11/2), Sorbet (8/1), Lucky Robin (12/1)

EDINBURGH CASTLE has acquitted himself well in 5 starts over hurdles and can gain a deserved first victory here. Lucky Robin and Just The Man look the likeliest dangers.