15:45 Chepstow

Thursday 23 March 2023

All13:2514:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:5517:25

Ashcroft Services Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:47 | Winning time: 5m 10.70s

Rockinastorm⁵⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 12-1| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: H D Daly| OR: 106

9/2

Bumper winner who improved on his hurdling debut form when runner-up in a Bangor novice (19.6f) in November. Disappointing when ninth of 17 at Huntingdon on his handicap bow last time, but it still remains early days.

Form: 14-52U9

Barrier Peaks^t⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 104

11/4

7-y-o whose form has taken off since going up in trip in handicaps this year, completing his 4-timer with the minimum of fuss in novice event at Uttoxeter (19.9f) last month. Still unexposed and can extend his winning sequence.

Form: 931111

Immortal Fame^p⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 103

11/1

Won 3 handicap hurdles last season and finished runner-up on his chase debut at Doncaster (3m) in November. Disappointing both starts since, but on a workable mark as he now returns to hurdling. Interesting contender.

Form: 18-2288

Ito Ditto^h²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: S Bowen| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 101

13/2

Has been going the right way in his 3 starts over hurdles so far, upped in trip when third of 12 in maiden at this C&D 26 days ago. Could continue his progress now handicapping.

Form: 47063

Cast's Tasha¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Rex Dingle| T: Ben Clarke| OR: 95

25/1

Offered little on hurdling debut but, fitted with a hood, showed much improved form when third at Exeter on her next 2 starts (both at 16.7f). However, upped markedly in trip she ran poorly at Fontwell (25.8f) 15 days ago. Bounce back called for.

Form: 4-96336

Merveillo³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 95

20/1

Useful on the Flat (stays 16.5f) and shaped better than the distance beaten suggests tried hurdling when a remote third at Haydock (24.3f) in November. Has offered little in 3 starts since, but handicaps could see him in a different light.

Form: 3P08

Hillsin¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: Claire Harris| OR: 91

100/1

Modest maiden hurdler for Gavin Cromwell, but has finished well-beaten on both starts for his current yard. Best watched.

Form: 080407

Bert Wilson^t,v⁵¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Buckley⁽³⁾| T: N J Hawke| OR: 91

9/1

Quickly back over hurdles and In first-time visor, opened his account in handicap at Plumpton (20.5f) in January. Failed to go on from that effort, though, when pulled up at Ffos Las next time. Capable of getting involved if on a going day.

Form: PP-4U1P

Treasure Dillon^p⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 89| CD

14/1

C&D winner who has struggled for form sent chasing this season, albeit brought down at the second at this course only 4 days. Is on a dangerous mark, though, if return to hurdling sparks a return to form.

Form: 4P5P4B

Weaver's Answer²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 78

9/2

Didn't show much in trio of novice hurdles, but made more impact when second of 14 at Ffos Las on handicap debut in December. Made the frame again at Ludlow next time and could have more to offer upped in trip, especially if brushing up his jumping.

Form: 5-06024

Kenyan Cowboy^p⁷⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: Max Kendrick| T: N B King| OR: 75| CD

33/1

C&D winner back in November 2021 but has lost his way, pulled up on his last 5 starts. Easy enough to look elsewhere

Form: 9PP-PPP

Call Me Sainte^h,t1⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: James Davies| T: N J Hawke| OR: 72

40/1

Little form in a bumper and 4 starts over hurdles to date, merely passing beaten horses when fifth of 11 at Hereford on handicap debut in January. Tongue strap on first time, but looks to be up against it.

Form: 060/95

Justshortofabubble^p¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: G Harris| OR: 69

12/1

Remains a maiden but, having dropped in the weights, turned in his best effort of the season when third of 16 in handicap at Taunton (23.9f) 10 days ago. Others still preferred, though.

Form: 582583

Non-Runners

Oxygen⁴²

Weight: 12-2| Age: 5

T: Miss V Williams J: Ned Fox

Portentoso¹⁰

Weight: 10-2| Age: 8

T: C Honour J: C Gethings

Forecasts

Barrier Peaks (11/4), Weaver's Answer (9/2), Rockinastorm (9/2), Ito Ditto (13/2), Bert Wilson (9/1), Immortal Fame (11/1), Justshortofabubble (12/1), Treasure Dillon (14/1), Portentoso (16/1), Oxygen (16/1), Merveillo (20/1), Cast's Tasha (25/1), Kenyan Cowboy (33/1), Call Me Sainte (40/1), Hillsin (100/1)

BARRIER PEAKS has thrived since going up in trip this year, completing his 4-timer at Uttoxeter last month despite the race not being run to suit, and an 8 lb rise for his latest success might not be enough to prevent him winning again. The biggest threat could be Weaver's Answer as he goes up in trip, with Immortal Fame completing the shortlist.