12:55 Ascot

Saturday 4 November 2023

All12:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:4516:15

Grundon Waste Management Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:56 | Winning time: 4m 44.23s

Idem⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Conner McCann⁽⁸⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 120

11/2

Has made a bright start over hurdles, impressive as he quickened clear under a hands-and-heels ride at Kelso (over 21f) 7 weeks ago. More needed now handicapping but no surprise if he's up to it.

Form: 23/32-11

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Ed Keeper^t1²²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Shane Quinlan| T: S Thomas| OR: 118

7/2

Took another step forward as he opened his account at Bangor over this trip when last seen in March, pulling clear with a subsequent winner. Tongue tie on for return/handicap debut and should be competitive.

Form: 321-

Young Merlin³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Liam Harrison| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 117

40/1

Three-time winner on the Flat and enjoyed a good summer over hurdles, landing a hat-trick (at up to 17.2f). Poor up in trip at Worcester 5 weeks ago though and this is no easier.

Form: 111P

Awaythelad^t²³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Beau Morgan⁽³⁾| T: B Pauling| OR: 115

12/1

Showed fair form in a trio of starts in bumpers and again over hurdles last season, second in novice at Fontwell (17.7f, soft) in March. Tongue strap back on for his handicap debut and not completely dismissed on return.

Form: 65/23P2-

Saladam^t²⁰⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Dylan Johnston⁽⁶⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 115WS

9/1

Popular in the betting last term and opened his account after a breathing operation in Market Rasen maiden over 20.7f when last seen in April. Could have more to offer now handicapping this season. Has had another wind op in the meantime.

Form: 2/32221-

Estacas¹²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Lily Pinchin| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 111| C

28/1

Won the concluding bumper here in 2021 and landed 2m novice handicap hurdle at Huntingdon in the spring. Little impact on the level 4 months ago but there's still mileage in him in this sphere and could feature.

Form: 52P-122

Immortal²⁶¹

13/8

Promising start in 2m Sandown novice hurdles last term (tongue tied second start after breathing op). Promises to do better now handicapping with longer trip sure to suit. Another who has quickly had a second wind op. One to consider.

Form: 22-

Prince Imperial^p,t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Bradley Harris⁽³⁾| T: M F Harris| OR: 107

14/1

Back on track over hurdles for new yard when third at Sedgefield over this trip 3 weeks ago. Looked to have no excuses there though and this is tougher.

Form: 2348-33

John W Creasy¹⁸⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Finn Lambert| T: C Honour| OR: 106

33/1

Gradual progress over hurdles in Ireland and could do better again now handicapping for new yard.

Form: 5/4406-5

Lipa K²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 106

20/1

Doubled up at Warwick and Ludlow in the spring (both 2m) and returned with a good effort at Stratford 26 days ago, finishing placed despite a more truly-run race likely to have been ideal. This is tougher.

Form: 671-153

Rebel Intentions^t⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-3| J: Joe Anderson| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 95

16/1

Got off the mark at Fontwell (21.8f) in August and even better form when second of 12 at Plumpton (20.5f) since. This is harder but he'll relish a test for last year's winning yard.

Form: P47-812

Forecasts

Immortal (13/8), Ed Keeper (7/2), Idem (11/2), Saladam (9/1), Awaythelad (12/1), Prince Imperial (14/1), Rebel Intentions (16/1), Lipa K (20/1), Estacas (28/1), John W Creasy (33/1), Young Merlin (40/1)

Competitive fare with IDEM getting the vote on his handicap debut. He has race-fitness on his side, impressive when scoring over further at Kelso last time, and can progress further. Immortal promises to do better in handicaps this term and is bound to be popular for Nicky Henderson. Estacas and Saladam are also on the shortlist.