Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 5m 0.1s

Tap Tap Boom³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: Jay Tidball⁽¹⁰⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 126| BF

33/1

Proved he retains his ability, after 13 months off, when third at Hereford (19.7f) in December. Disappointed at Uttoxeter since but may have found that racing coming too soon.

Form: 824/2-3P

Mongol Emperor^h³²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Reed| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 122

22/1

Won back-to-back handicaps over shorter trip last March. Not seen since, though, and now has career-high mark to overcome.

Form: 768411-

Franco D'Aunou⁹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 121

7/1

French recruit who progressed steadily in maiden/novice hurdles last term, winning at Ffos Las on heavy. Solid enough fourth on return at Plumpton (20.5f) in November and yard continues in fine form.

Form: 43312-4

Small Bad Bob³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P Henderson| OR: 117| C| D

14/1

Course winner who returned to form when second of 10 in handicap hurdle at Fakenham (20f, soft) 37 days ago. Claims if building on that.

Form: 119052

Sheldon¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Sean Houlihan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 113

5/2

Run with credit all 3 starts this term, latest when third of 11 in handicap hurdle (3/1) at Newbury (16.3f, soft) 19 days ago. Should give another good account.

Form: 266-333

Manvers House^p²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: James Best| T: R Walford| OR: 113

12/1

Not disgraced, in first-time cheekpieces, when fifth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Exeter (18.5f, soft) 20 days ago. More required to figure here, though.

Form: 3/22-PP5

Kotmask²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-9| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 119| C

10/11

Promising individual who has bagged juvenile hurdles at this course (17.7f) and Huntingdon (15.8f) for Gary Moore. Likely more to come now sent handicapping.

Form: 511