15:15 Stratford

Thursday 24 August 2023

All13:3014:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:00

National Racehorse Week 9th -17th September Handicap Hurdle (Div 1)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 3m 56.3s

Karannelle^t²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: D A Rees| OR: 98| DWS

5/1

Has shown in-and-out form so far this season, running just respectably when fourth of 8 at Market Rasen in June when her finishing effort was lacking again. However, on the back of a wind op she finished a creditable third at Newton Abbot on Tuesday, never nearer.

Form: 2-44343

Bahtiyar¹⁶⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Mr Ben Sutton⁽⁷⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 97WS

6/5

Ex-French gelding who ran to a fair level on British debut when third in a Worcester maiden in September last year. Hasn't gone on from that effort since, but he's on a dangerous mark as he makes his first start since leaving Harry Whittington (has had wind op). Interesting contender.

Form: 326563-

Ayr Of Elegance^b³⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-11| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 95| C| D

50/1

Course winner who capitalised on a falling mark when winning 4-runner handicap at Newton Abbot (18.5f) in June. However, followed that effort with a below-par one when pulled up at this course (18.7f) last month. Bounce back called for.

Form: 424-61P

Cumhacht^t²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-11| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 95

14/1

Soon back on track when third at Newton Abbot in July, but not quite at the same level when fifth of 8 at Worcester 9 days later. Still looking for his first win and may just be vulnerable once more.

Form: 3-32635

Star Legend^h²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-9| J: Alex Chadwick⁽⁷⁾| T: James Owen| OR: 96

6/1

Fair on the Flat for William Haggas and shaped well on hurdling debut after 7 months off when third in a Uttoxeter novice in July. In first-time hood, progressed from that effort when also third at Worcester last time and there could be more to come now handicapping.

Form: 33

Vin Rouge^t⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: M G Nolan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 89| BF| D

16/1

Belatedly got back on the up when scoring in good style at Newton Abbot in June, but not in the same form when fifth of 12 at Uttoxeter next time. Capable of getting involved if on a going day.

Form: 16P-315

Magic Mike^h⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Callum Bewley| T: Paul Robson| OR: 84| BF| D

11/1

Showed improved form in the spring, getting off the mark at Perth in April before following up at Newcastle the following month. Run of good form halted faced with more testing conditions at Uttoxeter last time, but can get back on track returned to firmer ground.

Form: 7531-15

Mactavish⁸²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 80

22/1

Remains a maiden and has offered little in 2 starts this season, faring no better than on return when pulled up at Hexham in June. Much more needed as he makes first run for yard after leaving David Thompson.

Form: 02U0-0P

Kalyptra^p1,t⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-10| J: Charlie Hammond| T: M Young| OR: 80

125/1

Fair efforts initially over hurdles but hasn't shown much for several different yards since going down the handicap route, including over fences both starts this season for current trainer. Looks to be up against it back hurdling with cheekpieces on first time.

Form: 0F0/P-P5

Robber's Bridge⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-4| J: James Best| T: Simon Earle| OR: 74

7/1

Has made more impact since sent handicapping this year, finishing in the frame in 4 of his last 5 starts. Had no problem with the step back in trip when third at Uttoxeter (15.8f) last time and he can give another good account.

Form: 529-423

Tally's Son³²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-3| J: Harry Reed| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 73

33/1

Poor strike rate on the Flat and he's yet to score over hurdles. Produced his best effort in this sphere when runner-up from 6 lb out of the weights at Newton Abbot in June, but hasn't been able to build on that run in 2 starts since. Others preferred.

Form: P/P-7264

Forecasts

Bahtiyar (6/5), Karannelle (5/1), Star Legend (6/1), Robber's Bridge (7/1), Magic Mike (11/1), Cumhacht (14/1), Vin Rouge (16/1), Mactavish (22/1), Tally's Son (33/1), Ayr Of Elegance (50/1), Kalyptra (125/1)

Having recorded back-to-back wins in the spring, MAGIC MIKE's run of good form came to a halt on heavy ground at Uttoxeter last time, but he can leave his latest effort behind returned to less testing conditions. He is taken to get the better of Bahtiyar, who is on a workable mark making his first start for Dan Skelton, while Star Legend also enters calculations.