David Cooper 60th Birthday Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 6m 23.4s

Moon King^t,v²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Lily Pinchin⁽⁵⁾| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 115

9/4

Placed on first 3 starts this season but clearly wasn't right at Haydock in January. Fitted with a change of headgear and back on his game when fourth at Doncaster a month ago. Eased 2 lb.

Form: 1-232P4

Lalochezia³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Alain Cawley| T: Justin Landy| OR: 113

4/1

Chased home a useful sort over 19.3f and benefited from step back up in trip when off the mark at Kelso a month ago by 4¼ lengths from Firth of Forth. Has to be of serious interest back in a handicap.

Form: 22PP21

Firth Of Forth³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Craig Nichol| T: R Dobbin| OR: 112| BF

15/2

Fair form in bumpers and matched that level at the third attempt over hurdles when runner-up at Newcastle in January. Occupied same spot behind Lalochezia and now up in trip for handicap debut.

Form: 2-84722

Flexi Furlough^p⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Tom Midgley⁽⁵⁾| T: G Boanas| OR: 111

9/4

Gained a deserved first hurdling win in 12-runner handicap at Doncaster (24.4f) 40 days ago. Up 5 lb but she had a bit in hand there so one to take seriously.

Form: 332231

Spike Jones^h,t1²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Danny Burton⁽⁵⁾| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 104

11/2

Bumper winner but consistent rather than progressive form over hurdles so far, third over 9 on handicap debut at Fontwell last month. Upped markedly in distance.

Form: 215333

Forecasts

Moon King (9/4), Flexi Furlough (9/4), Lalochezia (4/1), Spike Jones (11/2), Firth Of Forth (15/2)

The way LALOCHEZIA responded for pressure when opening his account at Kelso last month suggests this further step up in trip will suit, and back in a handicap on a very fair mark, he looks the way to go. A case of sorts can be made for all of these though, with Flexi Furlough feared most.