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Off time: 15:55 | Winning time: 3m 45.36s

Hidalgo De L'isle¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 115

13/8

Fair in bumpers and going the right way over hurdles, opening his account in 8-runner handicap at Bangor (16.7f) 19 days ago, quickening to lead last and going clear. Still unexposed and 7 lb rise may not prevent the follow up.

Form: 4-2221

Excelcius^p⁴⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Dylan Johnston⁽⁷⁾| T: I Jardine| OR: 113| D

20/1

Fairly useful hurdler for Thomas Mullins in Ireland, successful 3 times in 2021. However, he's shown little in 4 starts for new yard this term. Easy enough to look elsewhere.

Form: 51-F56P

Garde Des Champs²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Billy Garritty| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 107| BF

3/1

Fair maiden who looked like landing a gamble for most of the way when second at Doncaster (19.4f) in January. Just as good on the back of a 6 lb rise when third here last time and seems likely to be in the thick of the action again.

Form: 47-P423

Can't Stop Now^h⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: I Jardine| OR: 105| D

10/1

Unreliable sort who ran a typical race when well held at Catterick in January, doing too much too soon. Was again too free back on the level at Newcastle last week and has enough to prove despite easing mark.

Form: F0/6-354

Cuban Cigar^t²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Alan Doyle⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 105| D

7/2

Consistent sort who typically gave his running when third in 13-runner handicap over C&D (good to soft, 9/2) 25 days ago. Highly likely to give another good account.

Form: 4-32343

Flylikeaneagle^b,t²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: P W Wadge⁽⁷⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 85| C

8/1

Fair on the Flat but has yet to better poor form over hurdles, again disappointing off the bridle when sixth of 13 over C&D 25 days ago. 4 lb out of the handicap and others more persuasive.

Form: 76/0-466

Forecasts

Hidalgo De L'isle (13/8), Garde Des Champs (3/1), Cuban Cigar (7/2), Flylikeaneagle (8/1), Can't Stop Now (10/1), Excelcius (20/1)

HIDALGO DE L'ISLE quickened up well off a steady gallop to get off the mark at Bangor 19 days ago and a 7 lb rise doesn't look enough to prevent the follow up. Garde des Champs and Cuban Cigar are considered the main threats.