Placesetting Equipment Hire Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 5m 4.0s

Le Patron⁵⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Caoilin Quinn⁽⁵⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 119| BF

5/2

Winner in France for A. Boisbrunet and could barely have shaped any better when second to Thirtyfourstitches over C&D on UK debut 55 days ago, unable to sustain his effort after significant move. Looked comfortably ahead of his mark then and capable of going one better.

Form: F3-22

Thirtyfourstitches⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 118| CD

6/1

Won 5 times in a prolific campaign last season and also scored over C&D in December (from eye-catcher Le Patron). Pulled up on other 3 outings this term, though, and others are easier to have confidence in at present.

Form: 11-PP1P

Full Of Light^t¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Sean O'Briain⁽¹⁰⁾| T: N J Henderson| OR: 117| CD

12/1

Won twice last season, including over C&D, but has offered little in a pair of outings over fences this term and will need to find his spark again back over hurdles.

Form: 1P1-P75

Kotmask⁷⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: N F Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 114

2/1

Landed back-to-back juvenile events at Fontwell and Huntingdon last term. Has hit the frame both starts this season and is likely to give another good account.

Form: 1157-43

Pilbara⁶⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Liam Harrison⁽³⁾| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 113

22/1

Step back in right direction when fifth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (23.3f, soft, 50/1) 69 days ago, travelling as well as any. Well treated on his best form in this sphere but has looked one with problems previously, which tempers enthusiasm.

Form: P1PP-P5

Prince Imperial⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: R Hughes| OR: 112

7/2

Useful Flat stayer has shown aptitude for hurdling, placed in 2m novice events here in December and January. Likely to be suited by the step up in trip and rates a leading player making the quick switch to handicaps.

Form: 23

Non-Runners

Sponthus⁴⁹

Weight: 11-4| Age: 8

T: S Thomas J: Sam Twiston-Davies

Forecasts

Kotmask (2/1), Le Patron (5/2), Prince Imperial (7/2), Thirtyfourstitches (6/1), Sponthus (7/1), Full Of Light (12/1), Pilbara (22/1)

A good race for the grade, which LE PATRON is fancied to take having looked a potentially useful recruit for the Gary Moore team on his UK debut here. Useful Flat performer Prince Imperial appeals as being on a workable mark now pitched into handicaps, whilst Kotmask is another who should be capable of making his presence felt.