Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 6m 18.80s

Le Milos²²²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-1| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 146

9/4

Improved further over fences for Dan Skelton last term, winning hot Newbury handicap chase and then shaping second best at Kelso 6 weeks later, sent for home earlier than ideal. Found the test too much in the Grand National on final outing and now reverts to hurdling off a 6 lb lower mark.

Form: 14/1120-

Itchy Feet³³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 138

7/2

Rejuvenated by return to hurdles when landing 12-runner Huntingdon handicap (25f) in January prior to good second in Haydock Grade 2. Struggled in competitive Festival handicaps next 2 starts and ran poorly on his return to Newton Abbot last month but a bounce back wouldn't surprise.

Form: 61200-P

Jet Of Magic^p,t²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: James Turner⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 135| D

11/4

Positive start for new yard, winning over hurdles at Uttoxeter (23f) in July. Every chance when unseated back there 4 weeks later and shaped better than the distance beaten suggests at Cheltenham (3m) on most recent outing. Player back in calmer waters.

Form: U4-1U30

Giovanni Change²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-9| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: M Walford| OR: 126| CD

7/1

Prone to mistakes over hurdles but recorded a fourth success in May. However, has been pulled up both outings since, including at Aintree last month. Enough to prove.

Form: 7P2-1PP

Spike Jones^t²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 119

4/1

Successful twice over 3¼m at Fontwell last season and ended the campaign with a near miss at Kelso in March. However, underwent a breathing operation prior to pulling up on reappearance at Cheltenham.

Form: 31412-P

Non-Runners

Hillview¹²

Weight: 11-1| Age: 7

T: G Hanmer J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.

Forecasts

Le Milos (9/4), Jet Of Magic (11/4), Itchy Feet (7/2), Spike Jones (4/1), Giovanni Change (7/1), Hillview (10/1)

LE MILOS raised his game over fences for Dan Skelton last season and now reverts to hurdling on a favourable mark on the pick of those efforts, so he looks the most persuasive option. Jet of Magic isn't the most fluent of jumpers, but he shaped better than the distance beaten suggests in a well-contested handicap at Cheltenham on his most recent outing and should find this easier.