CRS & IBMG Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:01 | Winning time: 3m 47.5s

Rewired²²

Age: 5| Weight: 12-1| J: Luke Scott⁽⁷⁾| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 116

7/2

Doubled hurdles tally for this yard at Huntingdon in November and having hit the crossbar on his next 3 starts, showed improved form to return to winning ways back there just over 3 weeks ago, closed down only late on. Nudged up only 2 lb so should be in the mix.

Form: 312221

John Betjeman^b⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Fergus Gillard⁽³⁾| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 109

7/4

Not the most consistent but back to winning ways in determined style at Ffos Las (15.8f, heavy) 5 days ago, rallying well despite being carried left. Escapes a penalty for that success but that was a big effort so a quick turnaround is a slight concern.

Form: 597231

Sambezi^p,t¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: O Signy| OR: 108

85/40

Doubled his tally over timber under a sound-tactical ride from an amateur at Fontwell (19.2f, soft) 19 days ago, making all. Drop back in trip should be no issue so he's high on the shortlist with further progress not ruled out.

Form: 852321

Universal Secret³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Mrs H R J Nelmes| OR: 99| CD

11/2

Belatedly got off the mark in a weak maiden hurdle over C&D (good) just over 5 weeks ago. Now 7 lb higher back in handicap company so others make more appeal.

Form: 5-P5841

Flamenco De Kerser^t¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: Harry Reed| T: Mrs R Ford| OR: 92

28/1

Pulled up in 2 chases in the autumn and the outcome was the same returned to this sphere both starts this year (latest after a breathing operation). Tongue tie reapplied and must bounce back in a major way.

Form: 4F-PPPP

Non-Runners

Western General¹⁴

Weight: 11-12| Age: 5

T: J Tizzard J: Brendan Powell

Forecasts

John Betjeman (7/4), Sambezi (85/40), Western General (11/4), Rewired (7/2), Universal Secret (11/2), Flamenco De Kerser (28/1)

SAMBEZI had plenty in hand when doubling his tally over timber at Fontwell earlier this month and, faced with a similar small-field scenario, Oliver Signy's charge should prove tough to peg back. He can get the better of Western General, who pulled clear with another unexposed sort at Taunton a fortnight ago (winner that day has won again since). Rewired can take third spot.