14:30 Taunton

Tuesday 7 February 2023

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:00

Cornish Rock Gin Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 8.25s

Perfect Myth^t³⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Bryony Frost| T: W S Kittow| OR: 118| D

25/1

Won 3 times for Neil King in 2020/21 campaign but not shown much for a while, including back over hurdles the last twice. Down in grade.

Form: 4P/P0-77

River Bray^p⁴⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-13| J: Alan Johns| T: V R A Dartnall| OR: 117

40/1

Took advantage of reduced mark to score at Wincanton last spring but not in same form back at that venue a month later and he ran no sort of race back from 9 months off at Ffos Las (20f, heavy) just before Christmas.

Form: 75616-0

Across The Line^t⁶⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: S Hosie| OR: 117| D

40/1

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser for Dan Skelton. Won a Stratford hunter chase for this yard in May but has found life harder in handicap company since, including back over hurdles the last twice.

Form: 316538

Give Me A Cuddle^h1¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: N de Boinville| T: N B King| OR: 117| D

7/1

Going the right way and was all the better for first run in 6 months when taking 19.4f Doncaster handicap hurdle under this rider 10 days ago, not fully settling but showing by far the best change of gear in a steadily-run race. Can go well again up 5 lb now fitted with hood.

Form: 21-1261

Amelia's Dance^h³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Caoilin Quinn⁽⁵⁾| T: R Walford| OR: 116| CD

9/2

Enhanced good record over this C&D in December, clearing away to score by 7 lengths (third win in 12 months here). Turned in a rare below par display (may have come too soon) at Newbury 10 days later and no surprise to see a better showing now.

Form: 4-33415

Half Dozen^t⁸^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 109| D

11/10

Improved to make successful handicap debut in extended 2m novice event at Hereford last week, cosily in a first-time tongue tie. More to come and big shout under a penalty.

Form: 6-6341

Saligo Bay³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: N F Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 112| D

11/2

Awarded 2m Lingfield handicap hurdle in November and fair run in deeper Plumpton contest at the turn of the year that has worked out. Wouldn't dismiss.

Form: 21-2214

Cup Of Coffee^t⁶⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: R T Dunne| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 110| D

25/1

Comfortably landed a 2m Hexham handicap hurdle in March and shaped as if as good as ever after 7 months off at Fakenham (took a heavy tumble late on). Well beaten at Ludlow just 15 days later though and given a break.

Form: 5419-F4

Sergeant⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Reed| T: M F Harris| OR: 104| D

12/1

Won a 2m Stratford handicap hurdle in September and went very close to another success at Huntingdon in November. Shaped as if still in good form at Wincanton 10 weeks ago.

Form: 214F25

The Rain King^t³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Miss Thomosina Eyston⁽⁷⁾| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 92

28/1

Fairly useful on Flat (stays 8.5f) and showed a bit more on third run over hurdles here in December. No show on subsequent handicap debut at Wincanton, however. Hard to fancy.

Form: 0/83P

Non-Runners

Toronto⁴³

Weight: 11-1| Age: 6

T: B Barr J: Jack Martin

Forecasts

Half Dozen (11/10), Amelia's Dance (9/2), Saligo Bay (11/2), Give Me A Cuddle (7/1), Sergeant (12/1), Cup Of Coffee (25/1), Perfect Myth (25/1), The Rain King (28/1), River Bray (40/1), Across The Line (40/1), Toronto (50/1)

HALF DOZEN came clear for a cosy victory on his handicap debut at Hereford last week, responding well to the fitting of a tongue tie. He can follow up under a penalty. Doncaster-winner Give Me A Cuddle is an obvious danger, while Saligo Bay continues in form and could take a hand.