IJF South West Hub Now Open Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:26 | Winning time: 5m 30.91s

Blenkinsop¹⁰^{(ex 7)}

Age: 5| Weight: 12-1| J: Hugh Nugent⁽³⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 108

8/11

Confirmed previous promise upped in trip when making a successful handicap debut at Ludlow (21.2f) early last month and had plenty in hand when following up at Southwell (20.4f, soft) 18 days later. Sure to progress further, he's fancied to bring up the hat-trick.

Form: 853-411

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Groom De Cotte^t³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: R P McLernon| T: S Curran| OR: 111

9/2

Low-mileage 6-y-o who was the subject of a massive gamble and returned to his best after 8 months off when third at Warwick (16f, soft) last month. Significantly back up in trip today and he's dangerous to dismiss.

Form: 9983P-3

Trevada^t1³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: J J Burke| T: O Sherwood| OR: 109

10/1

Fair bumper scorer for Nigel Twiston-Davies and left opening hurdles run well behind when runner-up at Uttoxeter in May. Not in the same form at Chepstow 5 months on, though. Tongue strap applied for handicap debut.

Form: 51/36-28

Merry Dreamer^t1³²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Ben Jones| T: Ben Clarke| OR: 107

33/1

Hit the frame in a couple of Irish maiden hurdles last year, but was well held on his last 2 outings and he was pulled up sole start in points (Jan 16). First start for new yard today and a tongue tie applied for this handicap debut.

Form: 40/397P-

Horn Cape²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 103

4/1

Ex-French bumper winner who has yet to see a race out convincingly in Britain, probably needing the run at Kempton last month. Likely capable of a good deal better now switched to handicaps so he's one to look out for.

Form: 617/P6-3

Famous Last Word⁵⁷⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: C J Todd| T: Ian Williams| OR: 102

25/1

Low-mileage 7-y-o who improved in line with step up in trip/switch to handicaps when third at Warwick (25f, soft) back in May 2021. Absent since but he's in good hands and market support would look significant.

Form: 33P53/3-

Forecasts

Blenkinsop (8/11), Horn Cape (4/1), Groom De Cotte (9/2), Trevada (10/1), Famous Last Word (25/1), Merry Dreamer (33/1)

The hat-trick beckons for BLENKINSOP, who made it 2-2 in handicaps with the minimum of fuss at Southwell 10 days ago and with further progress on the cards, Henry Daly's charge is likely to take some stopping. A better showing is anticipated from Horn Cape now handicapping so he's put forward as the main danger, ahead of Famous Last Word, who makes his return from a 19-month absence.