Vickers.Bet Proudly Supporting British Racing Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:59 | Winning time: 3m 54.71s

Aramax³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Hogan⁽⁷⁾| T: B Haslam| OR: 135| D

20/1

Became increasingly hard to predict for Gordon Elliott and offered nothing on first outing for new stable at Carlisle last month.

Form: UP-96P8

Fransham²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Jack Andrews⁽³⁾| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 134| CD

13/2

Four-time C&D winner, which includes the 2020 renewal of this race, and almost added to his tally here on his reappearance in October. Below par next time but it would certainly be no surprise were he to bounce with a bold show.

Form: 36P2-25

Word Has It²⁸⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 127| DWS

8/1

Dual winning novice hurdler during 2020/21 and respectable third in a 2m Kelso handicap back in this sphere in January. Possibly found conditions too testing at the same course a month later (since undergone a wind op) and he remains of interest.

Form: 211/F34-

Excelcius³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 126| D

50/1

Fairly useful hurdler for Thomas Mullins in Ireland, successful 3 times in 2021. However, he was beating a swift retreat when exiting at the second-last on return/debut for new yard at Musselburgh and now has a bit to prove.

Form: 01051-F

Lebowski²⁶⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Luca Morgan⁽³⁾| T: M Scudamore| OR: 122| D

9/2

Looked promising when easily winning 2m novice hurdles at Ffos Las and Ayr last November. Plausible excuses for heavy defeats in a Grade 2 novice/Grade 3 handicap on final 2 starts of last season and will be a danger to all if able to get back on track here.

Form: 35/11P0-

Kellahen²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Caoilin Quinn⁽⁵⁾| T: T Symonds| OR: 122

8/11

Useful on the Flat in Germany/France and made it third time lucky over hurdles when landing a 13-runner Bangor novice (16.7f) in decisive fashion last month. Very much of interest on his handicap debut in this sphere.

Form: 42-1

McGowan's Pass^p²⁷¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-8| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 115| D

10/1

Winless since early 2020 but was placed on 3 of his 4 starts upon joining this yard last season, including over C&D when last seen in March. Resumes on an attractive mark and will be a threat if fully tuned-up.

Form: 27/7333-

Forecasts

Kellahen (8/11), Lebowski (9/2), Fransham (13/2), Word Has It (8/1), McGowan's Pass (10/1), Aramax (20/1), Excelcius (50/1)

LEBOWSKI and Kellahen both have low mileage in this sphere and could be the pair to concentrate on. The latter did it well when opening his hurdles account at Bangor and is not passed over lightly but Lebowski is preferred. Michael Scudamore's charge created a good impression when winning his first 2 starts last term and this mark should be within reach. Word Has It and McGowan's Pass both command respect, while course-specialist Fransham also has claims in what looks a competitive contest.