Harcombe Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:08 | Winning time: 4m 49.23s

Kepagge^t,v²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D Pipe| OR: 117| D

7/2

Resumed winning ways in a change of headgear (visored) in 12-runner handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (20f, good to soft) 21 days ago. Up 5 lb but always holding on there so ought to be in the shake-up again.

Form: 9/63581

Issam^t¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Jordan Nailor| T: T Symonds| OR: 115

11/4

Successful twice over hurdles in France and in good form for his current yard, runner-up in 2m handicap here 16 days ago. Not taken lightly stepping up in trip off an unchanged mark.

Form: P-17P22

Sponthus⁹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Thomas| OR: 114

9/1

Runner-up on hurdles debut and shaped well after more than 2 years off when filling the same position at Chepstow on return. Perhaps feeling the effects when down the field at Huntingdon last time, though opening mark still looks on stiff side.

Form: 3282/27

Pilsdon Pen^p¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Rex Dingle| T: J Scott| OR: 106| BF| C

5/2

Modest maiden on Flat but bagged his third success over hurdles at Exeter in November. Good third since at Plumpton and Warwick (first-time cheekpieces) so he needs considering with headgear retained.

Form: 212-133

Saintemilion^t⁷²⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Bryony Frost| T: J D Frost| OR: 101| CD

80/1

Disappointing on the whole for Paul Nicholls after his Exeter chase success in March 2019 and no obvious promise in two runs for his new stable in early 2021. Has plenty to prove on his comeback run.

Form: 624476/

Pedley Wood²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 98

10/3

Lightly-raced maiden who posted much his best effort when second of 7 in handicap hurdle at Hereford (21.7f, good) 28 days ago. Expected to be bang there off the same mark.

Form: 1-65U2

Forecasts

Pilsdon Pen (5/2), Issam (11/4), Pedley Wood (10/3), Kepagge (7/2), Sponthus (9/1), Saintemilion (80/1)

PEDLEY WOOD took a sizeable step forward on his handicap debut when second at Hereford and can race off the same mark here so is taken to open his account. Pilsdon Pen is enjoying a good season and rated second best ahead of Issam who is another weighted to have a say.