Smith & Williamson Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 44.11s

Time To Tinker^p,t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 128

15/8

Improved for cheekpieces when narrowly prevailing at Taunton (19f) in March and doubled tally back at that venue on the back of a wind op on reappearance 3 weeks ago. More to come in handicaps.

Form: 62413-1

Royal Pretender¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 124

4/5

Has returned this autumn an improved performer, supplementing his maiden success in novice company at Plumpton 17 days ago. On a fair mark back handicapping.

Form: 3162-11

Thahab Ifraj¹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 113| CD

9/2

Good strike rate over hurdles (5-21) but remains 5 lb above his last winning mark and could never land a blow at Kempton 10 days ago. Up in trip.

Form: 122635

Forecasts

Royal Pretender (4/5), Time To Tinker (15/8), Thahab Ifraj (9/2)

A tightly-knit handicap on Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings with the vote going to TIME TO TINKER on the back of his ready Taunton win. Royal Pretender chases a hat-trick and certainly won't go down without a fight.