BetVictor Gamble Responsibly Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 3m 54.64s

Straw Fan Jack²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 131

11/2

Has been in rather patchy form this season, but he posted good second in 2m handicap hurdle over C&D 27 days ago. Can't be ruled out despite 3 lb rise.

Form: 6-206P2

Persia¹⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130| D

66/1

Fairly useful Irish hurdler. Given considerate introduction to fences when 12th at Naas in November on his final run for Joseph O'Brien.. Back from a break now and this dual winner in this sphere is no forlorn hope on his yard debut.

Form: 312400

Queens Cave⁸²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 122| D

16/1

Has improved with each run over hurdles, scoring at Exeter before very good fourth in Taunton listed event when fitted with a tongue strap. Must enter calculations.

Form: 2P2154/

Black Poppy²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 117| CD

11/4

Arrives on a hat-trick after 2m handicap wins at Hereford and over C&D. Up another 4 lb but he rates a player with further improvement on the cards.

Form: F34211

Mark Of Gold²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 116| D

7/2

Fairly useful winner on the Flat and improving over hurdles, twice landing the odds in maiden/novice company at Plumpton before good fourth on his handicap bow over C&D. Considered eased 2 lb here.

Form: 52114

Irish Hill²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 110| D

13/8

Fairly useful on the Flat in Germany and he has made a promising start in this sphere. Scored on his debut at Taunton and excellent handicap second over C&D 27 days ago. Has more to offer, and holds good claims despite being 1 lb out of the handicap.

Form: 132

Forecasts

Irish Hill (13/8), Black Poppy (11/4), Mark Of Gold (7/2), Straw Fan Jack (11/2), Queens Cave (16/1), Persia (66/1)

IRISH HILL ran a cracker on his handicap debut when a clear runner-up over C&D and is fancied to get back to winning ways here despite being 1 lb "wrong" in the weights. Hat-trick seeking Black Poppy rates the obvious threat, although Mark of Gold enjoys a healthy pull in the weights with the selection from Newbury and is not taken lightly either.