13:40 Aintree

Tuesday 26 December 2023

All11:5512:3013:0513:4014:1514:5015:25

William Hill Epic Value Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • 4YO plus  |   Class 2  |   2m 4f  |   Soft  |   7 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 13:41  |   Winning time: 5m 36.20s
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Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
1
Horse silk
Minella Dramah31
Age: 8|  Weight: 12-0| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR:  150| DWS
7/1
Smart and consistent performer who returned with a good second in the Old Roan Chase here in October. Went backwards from that when third of 4 in Ascot Grade 2 in November but has often gone well here and he's worth a look back over smaller obstacles. Had wind op.
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Timeform
2
Horse silk
Ted Hastings23
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-9| J: James Bowen| T: G Elliott| OR:  131| D
15/2
Irish raider who won 5 of his 7 starts as a novice last term and ran up to best when third in handicap at Galway (2m, heavy) in October. Not in same form at Fairyhouse (2m) on latest start 23 days ago but not one to write off back up in trip.
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Timeform
3
Horse silk
Resplendent Greyh38
Age: 5|  Weight: 10-5| J: Adam Wedge| T: O Murphy| OR:  127
7/2
Bumper winner who impressed when landing first 2 starts over hurdles and returned with a good second in Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow in October. Raced freely and not in same form when seventh on handicap debut at Cheltenham (21f) 38 days ago.
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Timeform
4
Horse silk
Sholokjack17
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR:  125| D
6/1
Dual hurdler winner in 2021/22 and posted a useful effort to win a 2½m Lingfield handicap chase last winter. Not got competitive in a couple of handicap hurdle starts at around 3m this winter but this drop back in trip could have positive effect now.
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Timeform
5
Horse silk
Bucksy Des Epeires17
Age: 4|  Weight: 10-3| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR:  125| D
11/4
4-y-o who showed ability over hurdles in France and improved on back of 13 months off to score on yard debut in maiden company at Lingfield (19.5f) in November. Stepped up again when second on handicap debut at Sandown (2m) 17 days ago and expected to remain competitive.
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Timeform
6
Horse silk
Bingoo246
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-2| J: Charlotte Jones(3)| T: James Moffatt| OR:  124
13/2
Took his Hexham record to 4-4 when taking a 2m novice hurdle when last seen in April. Placed on all starts at other venues. Capable fresh and no surprise to see him go on to even better things this season.
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Timeform
7
Horse silk
Classic Lord11
Age: 5|  Weight: 10-2| J: Daire Davis(7)| T: Tim Vaughan| OR:  119
13/2
Useful on Flat and got back on track over hurdles of late, successful at Fontwell (17.7f) before readily following up under a penalty at Bangor (16.6f) 11 days ago. More on his plate now handicapping but underfoot conditions will hold no fears.
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Timeform

Forecasts

Bucksy Des Epeires (11/4), Resplendent Grey (7/2), Sholokjack (6/1), Bingoo (13/2), Classic Lord (13/2), Minella Drama (7/1), Ted Hastings (15/2)

Verdict

A winner on return/yard debut at Lingfield in November, BUCKSY DES EPEIRES again ran well and was deserving of extra credit in sustaining his effort given he was ridden more prominently than most when second at Sandown 17 days ago. He's fancied to go well again back up in trip. Sholokjack is falling in the weights and this drop in trip may help. Bingoo and Minella Drama are others to consider in a competitive affair.

  1. Bucksy Des Epeires11/4
  2. Sholokjack6/1
  3. Bingoo13/2

Prize Money

1st: £33,299.002nd: £15,309.003rd: £7,654.004th: £3,827.005th: £1,914.006th: £954.00

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