13:45 Ascot

Saturday 22 January 2022

All12:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:3516:05

SBK Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 4m 45.13s

Garry Clermont³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 143| D

9/2

Likeable handicap hurdler who has continued his progress this season, shaping well when third over 15.7f at this course last month. Excellent claims back up to ideal trip.

Form: 653-123

Stoner's Choice^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Max Kendrick| T: F O'Brien| OR: 139| C| D

16/1

Had a productive novice hurdle campaign last season, winning 4 times. At least respectable efforts this term, and should give his running once more.

Form: 214-363

Fils D'oudairies¹⁰⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 138

5/1

Hurdles winner in France who showed useful form despite some sketchy jumping over fences for Joseph O'Brien last season. Not a forlorn hope debuting for another top yard.

Form: 125FF-P

Stellar Magic³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 137| D

6/1

Point winner who impressed when landing pair of Taunton novice hurdles last winter. Signed off with laboured showing but right back on the up when second in handicap at Haydock on return. Considered.

Form: 1/11P-2

Skandiburg^t¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Page Fuller| T: Charlotte Fuller| OR: 136

66/1

Made a positive start for this stable at Newbury in November but failed to back it up at Taunton 12 days ago. This trip is short of his optimum, too.

Form: 432-555

N'Golo^t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: K Brogan⁽³⁾| T: Mrs A Duffield| OR: 135

25/1

Useful performer in his pomp for Willie Mullins and, while he struggled on the Flat in the autumn, he made a respectable stable debut when fourth in a handicap hurdle at Haydock 35 days ago.

Form: 39093-4

Esprit Du Large¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 135| D

33/1

Made up into smart novice chaser in 2019/20, including a Grade 1 win. Lost his way in that sphere last season but back to form when second over hurdles 11 days ago. Claims if he can build on that.

Form: F3FP-P2

Kateson²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A Ralph| OR: 131| D

10/1

Not long with this stable and has been placed the last twice, albeit a wide-margin second at Chepstow 26 days ago. On a handy mark if he can return to his very best.

Form: 305-832

Unexpected Party²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 130| BF

3/1

Made a mockery of his opening mark when landing novices handicap at Wetherby in October and has shaped well in defeat on both subsequent outings. Still well treated, and worth chancing.

Form: 2-4122

Smurphy Enki²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 127

9/1

Bumper winner who bagged Plumpton novices on 2 of his final 3 starts of last season. Back on track when runner-up (clear of rest) in handicap at Fontwell last time and may do better still.

Form: 21P1-72

Sonigino^t1⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 125

11/1

Won 4-y-o events in the spring for David Cottin. Shaped encouragingly when third on seasonal/stable debut but has disappointed at Doncaster since. Tongue strap refitted.

Form: 4-1135

Forecasts

Unexpected Party (3/1), Garry Clermont (9/2), Fils D'oudairies (5/1), Stellar Magic (6/1), Smurphy Enki (9/1), Kateson (10/1), Sonigino (11/1), Stoner's Choice (16/1), N'Golo (25/1), Esprit Du Large (33/1), Skandiburg (66/1)

UNEXPECTED PARTY pulled clear with another improver having gone through the race as if still way ahead of his mark at Wetherby last time, so he's worth a chance to get back to winning ways. Garry Clermont has proved most reliable up to now and another bold showing is expected from him, while Stellar Magic is another with an upwardly-mobile profile, so he's respected, too.