Leicestershire Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:10 | Winning time: 3m 55.5s

Bridge Road^p³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 100| BF

5/2

Has been a consistent performer over hurdles during the current campaign, running well when second at Carlisle (17f, good to soft) last month. Didn't take to fences at Uttoxeter since but he's respected back hurdling.

Form: 222527

Monymusk Lad^h²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Price⁽³⁾| T: L Horsfall| OR: 96

33/1

Went the wrong way in bumpers and modest form at best over hurdles, weakening quickly and pulling up in a Sandown maiden on his recent return from an absence for a new yard. More realistic chance now handicapping, though.

Form: 48/857-P

If Karl's Berg Did⁵²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Harry Reed| T: M F Harris| OR: 96

10/1

Runner-up at Ludlow in November 2020 but failed to reproduce that in 4 subsequent outings and hasn't been seen for 17 months. It's of some interest that his capable stable has persevered with him but the betting is perhaps the best guide to expectations.

Form: 52P65/4-

Martin Spirit²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: J E Moore| T: P Butler| OR: 94

7/2

Winner over fences in France. Best run for new yard when second in a Fontwell handicap hurdle in May but he's been well beaten in 2 comeback runs this autumn.

Form: PPP-260

Mind Hunter^b¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: Jack Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: B J Llewellyn| OR: 92

11/2

Winner at Newton Abbot in April and second off this mark at Ffos Las in May. Better effort since returning from a summer break when fourth at Wincanton 10 days ago.

Form: 271-264

Lockandload^b1⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Benjamin Poste| T: H J Evans| OR: 84

16/1

Made the frame second of 2 starts in points and also runner-up in a Southwell bumper on her Rules debut. Has failed to make an impact in maiden hurdles since but she could fare better in handicaps. First-time blinkers replace the cheekpieces worn last time.

Form: 4-26845

Scarlet Ruby^p¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-3| J: Adam Wedge| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 75| CD

85/40

Struggled on the Flat this year but much improved when getting off the mark over hurdles in a C&D handicap (good to soft) 13 days ago. Given that she and the runner-up pulled 14 lengths clear of the third a 4 lb rise for that looks more than fair.

Form: 776/91

Forecasts

Scarlet Ruby (85/40), Bridge Road (5/2), Martin Spirit (7/2), Mind Hunter (11/2), If Karl's Berg Did (10/1), Lockandload (16/1), Monymusk Lad (33/1)

If SCARLET RUBY is in anything like the same form as when scoring over C&D 13 days ago she could take a bit of stopping as a 4 lb rise looks manageable. Bridge Road disappointed over fences last time but had held his form well over hurdles prior to that and is feared most back over timber. Lockandload is a handicap newcomer to keep an eye on in the betting.