racingtv.com/freemonth Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:12 | Winning time: 3m 58.26s

Chti Balko²²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 131| DWS

9/1

Scored at Haydock last December but struggled in 4 subsequent outings. Been given a chance by the handicapper but best when the mud is flying so others look to have stronger claims on this occasion.

Form: 615P66-

Champagne City¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: T Scudamore| T: T R George| OR: 130| D

13/2

Scored at Worcester in August and wasted no time getting back on track allowed the run of the race when runner-up over C&D just over a fortnight ago. Up 4 lb but should be on the premises again.

Form: 1-12142

Caius Marcius^p²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: Conor Rabbitt⁽¹⁰⁾| T: N G Richards| OR: 128| CD

18/1

Capitalised on a falling mark under a good front-running ride in 5-runner event at Market Rasen in July. Unable to match that form since so mark continues to tumble as a result.

Form: 7-51654

Benny's Bridge³³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Alain Cawley| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 127| D

14/1

Little impact both starts last term at Cheltenham which leaves him with a bit to prove on reappearance for new connections. Down 7 lb so not discounted if stable switch causes a revival.

Form: 1910/60-

First Impression¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 120| CD

5/4

Made the most of a good opportunity when opening hurdling account at this C&D last November, despite not convincing with his jumping. Back to form on the Flat last time so he's much-respected.

Form: 2515-

Saint Arvans^t¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Callum Bewley| T: M A Barnes| OR: 120| CD

5/2

Dual 2m scorer last term who has proved consistent since sent handicapping and notched a third victory at this C&D 15 days ago by 1¾ lengths from Champagne City. Of interest again despite 6 lb rise.

Form: 44-3321

Forecasts

First Impression (5/4), Saint Arvans (5/2), Champagne City (13/2), Chti Balko (9/1), Benny's Bridge (14/1), Caius Marcius (18/1)

The pair at the bottom of the weights could be the ones worth focusing on here, with FIRST IMPRESSION getting the vote to come out on top. John Quinn's charge returned to form when runner-up at Redcar 11 days ago and, switching back over hurdles, he can double his tally over this C&D. Saint Arvans and Champagne City finished first and second here just over a fortnight ago so they rate the dangers.