Elliot Henderson Group Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 3m 48.96s

Castel Gandolfo^b,t⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Hogan⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 120| D

3/1

Not added to his two wins over 2m early in the 2021/22 season but plenty of good efforts in the meantime, just about better than ever when runner-up at Haydock last month. 2 lb rise won't prevent another very bold bid.

Form: 424452-

Bythesametoken^t³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: R T Dunne| T: R O'Sullivan| OR: 119| D

5/1

Mixed bag over fences last year but down in the weights over timber, he's back in good form, runner-up twice this spring. Looks ready to cash in.

Form: P3U622-

Matchless²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 118| D

7/4

Fairly useful Flat performer who scored on hurdles bow at Newcastle (16.2f) in November. Doubled his tally back in a novice 2 months later and continued the good work back on the level when scoring at Doncaster 3 weeks ago. Bold bid anticipated.

Form: 12613-

Russian Virtue²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: R Menzies| OR: 107| D

15/2

Has thrived for this yard, completing the hat-trick over hurdles at Sedgefield in January. Scored again back on the Flat in March and shaped as though still in good form both outings since.

Form: P/1114-3

The Navigator¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Henry Brooke| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 107| C

9/2

Notched fifth success over hurdles when accounting for 4 rivals in a 21f handicap here in September. Largely below par since, though he did at least stop the rot here 18 days ago. Drops markedly in trip.

Form: 35508-5

Forecasts

Matchless (7/4), Castel Gandolfo (3/1), The Navigator (9/2), Bythesametoken (5/1), Russian Virtue (15/2)

A small field but a good race for the grade with BYTHESAMETOKEN just about the most persuasive option from this handy hurdles mark. Castel Gandolfo and Russian Virtue have been knocking on the door and seem sure to go well again.