Guinness St Patrick's Day Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:37 | Winning time: 4m 21.3s

Pay The Piper^t¹¹²

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Danny McMenamin| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 137| C| D

25/1

Useful chaser who was successful at Musselburgh (15.8f) in February. Yet to fire in three runs this term, pulling up at Haydock when last seen in November. Having his first start over hurdles for 3 years.

Form: 258-U3P

Brentford Hope^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: D A Jacob| T: Harry Derham| OR: 135| BF

11/10

Bordering on smart on the Flat and easily bagged a third success over hurdles for current yard in a Newbury handicap in November. Posted 2 excellent efforts back over same C&D since and holds leading claims.

Form: 11-6132

Albert's Back⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: B S Hughes| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 126

9/1

Enhanced a good record at Wetherby when successful there last March and shaped as if retaining ability when third there on return in November. Hasn't convinced back over fences the last twice but that shouldn't be held against him here.

Form: 16-3F4P

Salsada¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: S Mulqueen| T: B Ellison| OR: 122| D

18/1

Useful Flat/hurdles winner who looked rusty returning from 10 months off when tailed off in the Morebattle Hurdle (Handicap) at Kelso last time. Needs to leave that behind.

Form: 122/25-0

Horn Cape²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: K Brogan| T: B Haslam| OR: 122| CD

5/2

Has thrived since returning to hurdles and posted a career best to resume winning ways in 7-runner handicap over C&D 3 weeks ago. Hit with an 8 lb rise but seems sure to go well again.

Form: 413121

Slugger^h,t²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-8| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 117

5/1

Has an ungainly way of going about things but made a winning start over hurdles in a Kelso novice on return in October and is in better form than his handicap form figures might suggest. Not dismissed.

Form: 6-21465

Forecasts

Brentford Hope (11/10), Horn Cape (5/2), Slugger (5/1), Albert's Back (9/1), Salsada (18/1), Pay The Piper (25/1)

BRENTFORD HOPE is a reliable, strong travelling type who ran well behind a last-time-out winner at Newbury 2 weeks ago and, providing this doesn't come too soon, he's the percentage call to resume winning ways. Horn Cape has thrived this season and will be no pushover, however, while Albert's Back could go well back over hurdles.