Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 6m 27.74s

Sire Du Berlais^p,t¹⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: G Elliott| OR: 158

14/1

Second in Stayers' at 2021 Cheltenham Festival and also twice a winner of final of this series at that meeting. Pulled up at Leopardstown over Christmas. Cheltenham likely the main aim again.

Form: 1/132-2P

Sporting John³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Aidan Coleman| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 151| BF

3/1

Grade 1 novice chase winner last term. Made a successful return to hurdles in 3m Cheltenham listed handicap in November and respectable fourth back there since. Considered.

Form: 31FP-14

Third Wind²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: H Morrison| OR: 146

15/2

Looked a stayer on the up when taking Rendlesham at Haydock last February. Not at that level twice since, although he may have needed the run in Ascot Grade 1 on return and this easier.

Form: 5251P-7

The Jam Man^p⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: K Brogan⁽³⁾| T: R McNally| OR: 146| D

10/1

Very useful over hurdles and fences, including a win in last year's Troytown. Creditable fourth of 23 at Navan last month and trainer has a good strike-rate with his British runners.

Form: P160-04

Keeper Hill^p⁴¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-8| J: Adrian Heskin| T: W Greatrex| OR: 140| CD

33/1

Smart but clumsy chaser who wasn't at the same level when returned to hurdles at the start of 2021. Ran no sort of race back over fences on his return and has a fair bit to prove back hurdling.

Form: 45330-P

Alaphilippe³⁰²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 140

7/2

Point/bumper winner who was a useful novice hurdler last term, the highlight being a 3m Haydock Grade 2 success in February. Opening handicap mark of 140 looks manageable.

Form: 111215-

Riggs⁵⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 132

85/40

Back on the up when second in EBF Final at Sandown last March and stepped up on even that form when runner-up in competitive 3m Haydock handicap in November. Fancied to go well again.

Form: 322F-52

Forecasts

Riggs (85/40), Sporting John (3/1), Alaphilippe (7/2), Third Wind (15/2), The Jam Man (10/1), Sire Du Berlais (14/1), Keeper Hill (33/1)

A chance is taken on the fitness of the returning ALAPHILIPPE as he doesn't look overburdened off a mark of 140 considering he was Grade 2 novice hurdle winner last season. Riggs ran well when stepped up to 3m at Haydock last time and heads the dangers along with Sporting John.