Royal Equestrian Bedding Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 4m 49.5s

Gaelik Coast^t²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 129| D

13/2

Useful winning chaser who was below his best in that sphere at Aintree (19.9f) on his penultimate start but did at least run better when 4 lengths fifth of 6 back over hurdles at Kelso (2m) late on last month. Ease in grade rates a plus.

Form: 34P2-65

Coal Stock⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Kimber⁽⁵⁾| T: J Tizzard| OR: 121

5/4

Made an excellent start for the Tizzard's, overcoming some sketchy jumping to land the hat-trick in 4-runner Fontwell handicap (19.2f) last month. Handicapper applies further pressure now but hard to rule out in present groove.

Form: 6471-11

Tulin^p,t⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 121

15/2

Flat winner in France and bright start over hurdles early last year for Paul Nicholls, landing pair of maiden/novice hurdles and improving further when placed in stronger events. Unable to justify support on return (following wind op) in May but too soon to write him off.

Form: 1/4225-5

Petit Palais^p,t²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul O'Brien| T: R Hobson| OR: 115

10/1

Has won twice in France for this trainer and was mid-field at Compiegne (17.9f) 15 days ago, ridden run-in but not trouble leaders. No surprise to see him feature returned to these shores from reduced mark.

Form: 41/P45-5

Faint Hope^t⁵¹

Age: 10| Weight: 10-7| J: Ben Jones| T: G Harris| OR: 108

11/2

Veteran who scored at Kempton (21f) 13 months ago and hit the frame twice thereafter last summer. Not at best this spring when fifth of 7 at Kempton (21f) early on last month. Now operating 2 lb below last winning mark

Form: 27266-5

Nazwa^p³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: J J Burke| T: O Sherwood| OR: 108| D

5/1

Sepoy gelding who showed promise initially over hurdles and, on the back of a wind op/fitting of cheekpieces has improved to land back-to-back Huntingdon handicaps at up to 20.6f in recent weeks. Handy 4-y-o allowance to call upon and he's a player once more.

Form: 3254-11

Forecasts

Coal Stock (5/4), Nazwa (5/1), Faint Hope (11/2), Gaelik Coast (13/2), Tulin (15/2), Petit Palais (10/1)

NAZWA has stepped up for the fitting of cheekpieces/tackling longer trips in handicaps of late and, in receipt of his handy 4-y-o allowance once more, could be the way to go in his bid to complete the hat-trick. Coal Stock has thrived since joining the Tizzard Team and is feared though, whilst it's too soon to be writing off Paul Nicholls' Tulin.