Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 5m 37.60s

Near Kettering^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 110| C

17/2

Scored here in August and, despite some lesser efforts on the Flat subsequently, supplemented that at Carlisle last month, just holding on. Should put up a bold bid for the hat-trick.

Form: 5/89-411

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Steady Away²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: James Bowen| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 108| BF

2/1

Fair maiden hurdler who wasn't shaping up too badly towards the end of last season and returned with a respectable third at Newton Abbot 3 weeks ago. Merits consideration.

Form: 6525-53

Macho Mover^p,t³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: David England| T: O Murphy| OR: 107| D

5/1

Fair hurdler who has been quickly turned around by his bang-in-form stable, scoring at Newton Abbot in September, then finding one too good at Stratford 38 days ago. Can regain the winning thread.

Form: 07F0-12

Mister Sweets³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 106

11/4

Placed all 3 outings in points and has shown modest form to date over hurdles. Switch to handicaps and step back up in trip could bring about improvement, but opening mark demands it.

Form: 223/243

Simply Loveleh^t⁷¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: Paula Smith| OR: 106

66/1

Disappointing for Dan Skelton since scoring at Aintree in May, so hard to make a case for starting out for new yard after 71 days off.

Form: 09-14F8

Envol De La Cour^t1²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: R Patrick| T: M Scudamore| OR: 106| BF| CD

7/2

Won division of this last year and has edged back down to a handy mark having pulled too hard the last twice. Tongue tie goes on, and he boasts strong claims if settling better.

Form: 27P733

Forecasts

Steady Away (2/1), Mister Sweets (11/4), Envol De La Cour (7/2), Macho Mover (5/1), Near Kettering (17/2), Simply Loveleh (66/1)

MACHO MOVER has been rejuvenated since joining Olly Murphy and there's every chance he can do better still, so he gets the nod ahead of Near Kettering in what could turn into a sustained tussle between a pair at the top of their game. Last year's winner Envol de La Cour also warrants a mention.