Racing TV Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:01 | Winning time: 4m 36.73s

De Mazzaro^h¹⁶⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: William Shanahan⁽³⁾| T: V Thompson| OR: 110

100/1

Fairly useful hurdler in Ireland who never figured in 3 starts over fences for owner/trainer. Productive on Flat for Tristan Davidson thereafter, winning 4 times, and back from a break now.

Form: 7805-57

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Presuming Ed^h²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Archie Bellamy⁽³⁾| T: A West| OR: 108| C

11/8

Dual winner here (16.5f) late last year and just as good in defeat more recently, runner-up in 3-runner handicap here 4 weeks ago. No reason why he won't go well again back up in trip.

Form: 512122

Forever Des Long⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Jack Martin⁽¹⁰⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 106

5/1

Remains a maiden following 12 starts but did at least run best race of present campaign despite finishing sixth of 7 at Leicester (15.5f) early last month. Still, not easiest to weigh up.

Form: 222-3P6

Cheng Gong^p³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Andrews| T: N B King| OR: 105| D

11/2

Has shown signs of temperament in the past but hard to knock consistency in hitting frame on 5 of last 6 starts. Patient tactics may not have served him so well latest and bounce back possible.

Form: 222325

Urban Grit³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Fergus Gregory⁽³⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 105

4/1

Fairly useful form when placed in bumpers and signs of promise in trio of novice hurdle outings earlier this term. Definite chance he can do better now handicapping and worth a look.

Form: 23647

George Bancroft⁸⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: K Brogan| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 106| BF

5/1

Flat winner who won on hurdles bow at Fontwell and was second behind an exciting prospect at Ffos Las. Failed to complete both starts since, possibly amiss at Wincanton on Boxing Day. Not discounted.

Form: 12UP

Non-Runners

Isle Of Aron¹

Weight: 10-2| Age: 6

T: Tim Vaughan J: Charlie Price

Forecasts

Presuming Ed (11/8), Urban Grit (4/1), Forever Des Long (5/1), George Bancroft (5/1), Cheng Gong (11/2), Isle Of Aron (15/2), De Mazzaro (100/1)

A competitive opener and it may pay to take a chance on 4-y-o GEORGE BANCROFT. Having made a bright start in juvenile hurdles, things haven't gone to plan in handicaps since (possibly amiss on latest start in December) and he could well revive coming back from a short break. Presuming Ed arrives in good form and is feared, along with handicap debutant Urban Grit.