Best Odds Guaranteed At Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:41 | Winning time: 6m 53.25s

Sam's Choice^p1³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: William Maggs⁽⁷⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 122

13/2

Won a Leopardstown handicap (20f) for Gordon Elliott last season but yet to fire for current yard. Edging down the weights and cheekpieces could help.

Form: 1090-43

Guernesey²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Mrs J Stephen| OR: 111

10/1

Showed he retains plenty of ability on his first outing for this yard after 7 months off when second at Kelso (25.8f) in November. Just respectable efforts since but this sort of test should suit.

Form: 627-254

Danny The Fence^t¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Donagh Meyler| T: K Thornton| OR: 106

15/2

Winner in hurdle at Fairyhouse in November. 13/2, shaped as if still in form when sixth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Punchestown (22.9f, soft) 18 days ago, best work finish. Could make his presence felt in this less competitive event.

Form: B6-1556

Champ Royal^p,t⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Edward Austin⁽⁵⁾| T: S Corbett| OR: 102

7/1

Looked better than ever when making a winning start for this yard at Hexham in October and got back on the up with a likeable display to score at Musselburgh 46 days ago. Well respected.

Form: 3P1671

Not Staying Long²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: B S Hughes| T: R M Smith| OR: 101| CD

18/1

Won 3-runner novice hurdle over C&D a year ago on final run for Patrick Neville. Much better effort for current stable when fourth in handicap at Newcastle last time but mark demands more.

Form: 6/581-P4

Shantou Moon^p²²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-2| J: Harry Reed| T: T Davidson| OR: 93| CD

11/8

15/2, career best when winning 10-runner handicap hurdle at this C&D (soft) 22 days ago, readily. Seems to be getting his act together and looks worth a chance to follow up.

Form: 44-7581

Balkotic^t,v⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Emma Smith-Chaston⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 92| CD

4/1

Ended last term in good form, scoring at Hexham/over C&D. Solid efforts at this track the last twice and is well capable from this sort of mark.

Form: U00532

Forecasts

Shantou Moon (11/8), Balkotic (4/1), Sam's Choice (13/2), Champ Royal (7/1), Danny The Fence (15/2), Guernesey (10/1), Not Staying Long (18/1)

SHANTOU MOON had a good deal in hand when scoring over C&D last time and is well worth a chance to go in again. Fellow last-time-out winner Champ Royal is a danger and Danny The Fence is a notable Irish challenger.