12:40 Warwick

Saturday 13 January 2024

All12:0512:4013:1513:4914:2415:0015:3516:05

Michael Costello Memorial Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 12:40 | Winning time: 3m 59.0s

Word Has It^t⁵⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 12-2| J: William Maggs⁽⁷⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 122| D

17/2

Came out on top after 7 months off to land weak Fontwell handicap in November. That didn't take a whole lot of winning and whilst only nudged up 1 lb, this rates much tougher.

Form: 33326-1

Totterdown⁶²

Age: 13| Weight: 11-13| J: Finn Lambert⁽⁵⁾| T: R T Phillips| OR: 119| D

16/1

Made a winning return from a long absence at Leicester (2m, soft) in November 2022. This veteran shaped as if retaining most of his ability when fourth of 10 on Sandown reappearance this November, leading for long way. However, this veteran may find a couple too good here.

Form: 55/155-4

Klitschko^h⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Brendan Powell| T: A King| OR: 118| BF| D

3/1

6-y-o who landed sole start in bumpers and progressive in trio of starts in maiden hurdles, off the mark at third attempt at Plumpton (15.9f) 11 months ago. Pleasing enough third on handicap debut at Lingfield in November and good chance he'll be sharper with that under his belt.

Form: 1321-3

Donnacha²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Lorcan Murtagh| T: N J Hawke| OR: 117| D

2/1

Going the right way over hurdles, successful in a Chepstow novice (2m, soft) in October and placed both starts in competitive Cheltenham handicaps subsequently. Looks one to be interested in again now sights are lowered a little.

Form: 343-123

Risk D'Argent^t1²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: J J Burke| T: A Ralph| OR: 110| D

3/1

Winning hurdler who reappeared with a good second of 17 in C&D handicap prior to a lesser effort when fourth at Haydock (15.6f) last month, off bridle long way out. Needs to leave that behind now with tongue tie fitted.

Form: 9437-24

Koenigsstern²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: James Davies| T: N J Gifford| OR: 107

16/1

Dual winning pointer who showed ability when fourth on hurdles debut at Exeter (16.7f) in November and duly took a step forward when filling same spot in Plumpton maiden (20.5f) last month. Makes an interesting quick switch to handicaps.

Form: R11F-44

Western Soldier^h²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Harry Reed| T: Anthony Charlton| OR: 103| D

33/1

Useful on the Flat in Germany and struck at the second time of asking over hurdles in a Plumpton novice in October. No show switched to handicaps the last twice, though, and he probably needs better ground.

Form: 316P

Commodore Miller⁶⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: Mrs D O'Neill| OR: 98

66/1

Fair form at his best for Nicky Henderson and was in the process of running well when departing 2 out in a Huntingdon handicap on first start for this yard 12 months ago. However, didn't jump well when down the field on his return at this venue in November.

Form: 2P0/PF-0

Non-Runners

Sextant⁸⁴⁸

Weight: 12-1| Age: 9

T: Miss Lucinda V Russell J: P W Wadge

Forecasts

Donnacha (2/1), Klitschko (3/1), Risk D'Argent (3/1), Word Has It (17/2), Koenigsstern (16/1), Totterdown (16/1), Sextant (22/1), Western Soldier (33/1), Commodore Miller (66/1)

Progressive as a novice, KLITSCHKO shaped with a good deal of promise when third on return/handicap debut at Lingfield back in November and, with the prospect of more to come, he earns the vote to come out on top. Donnacha brings some solid handicap form from Cheltenham to the table and he's a serious threat, with Koenigsstern and Sextant another pair to note.