Kev Tilling Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 5m 5.1s

Kerosine Light^p²⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 121

15/2

Quickly on the up over hurdles for this yard last year, winning 3 times (also first past the post but disqualified). Finished lame when scoring at Cartmel (17.2f, good) back in August and he's one to consider from just 2 lb higher provided he's ready to roll.

Form: 2/113D1-

Fat Sam^p³¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: James Davies| T: C J Down| OR: 117| D

11/2

Winner of a Ffos Las novice in this sphere and a Newton Abbot handicap chase last summer. However, temperament issues surfaced in the autumn and he may have needed the run after 7 months off when mid-field at Warwick (19f, good to soft) last month. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: 142336-

Midnight Ginger¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: J Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: Andrew Martin| OR: 116

3/1

Likeable mare who added to her tally in 2m Newbury handicap on New Year's Eve. Not at her best in 3 starts since, but the handicapper has cut her some slack and she could be ready to strike on the back of a recent run.

Form: 31535-4

Park Hill Dancer¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 115

15/8

Exeter bumper scorer who got off the mark without needing to improve much on the pick of his efforts from last season at Huntingdon (20.7f, good) 17 days ago. Sent handicapping and will likely to have more to offer for his top yard.

Form: 11/252-1

Caldwell⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: R Patrick| T: M Scudamore| OR: 114

17/2

Not seen over hurdles since October 2021 but did at least shape as if retaining all his ability after 9 months off when fifth at Nottingham (16f, heavy) a couple of months ago. Worth considering with that under his belt.

Form: 2421PP/

American Gerry^p¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Mr Nathan Brennan⁽⁷⁾| T: H Morrison| OR: 113

6/1

Successful twice during first half of 2022 and having been lightly raced since, ran right up to best when fourth at Fontwell last month. Appeared to be spooked when unseating his rider at the start back there 10 days ago and the headgear goes back on.

Form: 1/6464-U

Forecasts

Park Hill Dancer (15/8), Midnight Ginger (3/1), Fat Sam (11/2), American Gerry (6/1), Kerosine Light (15/2), Caldwell (17/2)

Cases can be made for most, but a chance is taken on MIDNIGHT GINGER, who hasn't been at her best since scoring at Newbury on New Year's Eve but the handicapper has reacted accordingly. Kerosine Light was prolific last year and Donald McCain's charge rates as a serious player provided he's fully tuned up, while Caldwell and Park Hill Dancer can fight out third spot.