William Hill Epic Value Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:52 | Winning time: 4m 2.50s

Tying The Knot^p¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Freddie Gordon⁽⁵⁾| T: D C O'Brien| OR: 98| D

50/1

Much improved when winning a juvenile hurdle at Hereford (2m) for Alan King last winter but largely struggled since, including tailed off in 2 handicap hurdles this winter. Cheekpieces go on for the first time over hurdles.

Form: 51P8-09

Birdman Bob²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Philip Armson⁽³⁾| T: A Irvine| OR: 96| BF| CD

5/6

C&D winner in November and twice runner-up back here in January. Looked to be in the process of running well again when unseating 3 out over 20.5f here 3 weeks ago. Should give another good account for yard seeking a second successive win in this race.

Form: 17U22U

Mi Sueno¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Rob Hargreaves⁽⁷⁾| T: P Butler| OR: 92| D

9/4

Belatedly opened his account when making all in Fakenham selling handicap (2m soft) 17 days ago. Hard to argue he looks well treated off 8 lb higher but it is possible he'll be able to dominate again in this small field.

Form: 263FP1

Criquette^v²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Tom Cannon| T: Billy Aprahamian| OR: 81

7/2

Irish point winner. Yet to better modest form over hurdles but her mark has come down a long way and there were better signs when third over C&D (soft) in a first-time visor (retained) 3 weeks ago.

Form: 46-P893

Forecasts

Birdman Bob (5/6), Mi Sueno (9/4), Criquette (7/2), Tying The Knot (50/1)

Andy Irvine won this race last year and his BIRDMAN BOB is the most solid option in a trappy finale. Criquette showed better signs with a visor added here last time and might be the one to follow the selection home.