Get Expert Tips At timeform.com Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:01 | Winning time: 4m 14.15s

Elvis Mail³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Bruce Lynn⁽⁵⁾| T: N W Alexander| OR: 137| BF| CD

2/1

Useful hurdler/chaser with good record at this track, barely adequate test when runner-up to Stainsby Girl over C&D last time. Faces a similar scenario so others make more appeal for win purposes.

Form: 22F-542

Word Has It³³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 129| CD

7/2

Dual winning novice hurdler last season (including over C&D). Fell at the first on chase debut/return but back on track reverting over timber when third behind a couple of these over C&D last month.

Form: 3211-F3

Diocletian³²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N W Alexander| OR: 124

18/1

Useful stayer on Flat who opened account over hurdles in a maiden at Fakenham (20f) 14 months ago. Not at best under either code thereafter but returns for new yard on back of wind op. Not discounted.

Form: 4516-

Stainsby Girl³³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Craig Nichol| T: D W Whillans| OR: 120| CD

9/4

Dual hurdles winner in 2020 and added to her tally when conquering Elvis Mail over C&D last month, able to burn her 5 rivals off from the front. As genuine as they come so she can feature once again.

Form: 534-421

McGowan's Pass⁴¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-9| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 120| D

5/1

Good record over 2m at Ayr. Stepped up on his reappearance when third at Sandown just under 6 weeks ago and having dropped another couple of pounds, there's every chance he can feature back up North.

Form: 2/227-73

Forecasts

Elvis Mail (2/1), Stainsby Girl (9/4), Word Has It (7/2), McGowan's Pass (5/1), Diocletian (18/1)

A tricky contest to unravel despite the small field. However, the vote goes to MCGOWAN'S PASS, who stepped up on his reappearance when third at Sandown last month and has potentially found a good opportunity to open his account for his new handler. Stainsby Girl got the better of Elvis Mail over C&D last month and she can confirm her superiority over that rival.