Ace.Odds Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 11:56 | Winning time: 6m 20.7s

Butler's Brief^p¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: A Ralph| OR: 122

11/4

Got back on the scoreboard at Kelso in November, finding plenty under pressure. Not in same form at Bangor subsequently but should be suited by this small-field scenario.

Form: 3PP215

Jaytee^p¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Ian Williams| OR: 115| CD

5/6

Better than ever when back-to-back winner of small-field handicap chase events at Southwell in the summer. Struggled in a much deeper race at Uttoxeter in July but capitalised on a lower hurdles mark in 7-runner event over C&D 2 weeks ago and a 5 lb rise looks manageable.

Form: 2118P1

Fabuleux Du Clos^p1,t⁷⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: J M Quinlan| T: S G West| OR: 108| BF

11/4

Lightly-raced 8-y-o who made a winning handicap debut in a first-time tongue strap at Newcastle (20.3f) in March. Made little impression following a breathing operation at Perth (23.9f) in July and still looked one with problems after another 3 months off at Hexham. Cheekpieces on for 1st time.

Form: 3/341-53

Forecasts

Jaytee (5/6), Fabuleux Du Clos (11/4), Butler's Brief (11/4)

JAYTEE capitalised on a lower hurdles mark over C&D 2 weeks ago and gets the nod to follow up in another decidedly weak affair. Butler's Brief is preferred to Fabuleux du Clos for the forecast.