John Gallagher JG Memorial Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 5m 22.71s

Ottoline⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 113| C

28/1

Imposing sort got off the mark in a Uttoxeter novice hurdle in December but failed to make an impact in 2 starts over fences earlier this year. Return to timber may have positive effect but present mark demands progress now handicapping in this sphere.

Form: 85-313P

Blue Beach^p⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: H Cobden| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 112| C

11/8

Useful-looking mare who showed some aptitude for chasing when third in small-field affairs at Exeter and Huntingdon earlier this season. Went close back over hurdles at Market Rasen (20.6f, soft) subsequently and looks sure to go well again.

Form: 125-332

Emily's Choice^p1³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 110

14/1

Off the mark at seventh attempt in points and boasts a record over 2-2 over hurdles, conceding weight all round for the latest of them at Wincanton (15.2f, heavy) in March. Cheekpieces go on for handicap debut and step up in trip may unlock further progress.

Form: 22-5111

Tilly Toughnut²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Stan Sheppard| T: H D Daly| OR: 108

7/1

Won a point bumper in November 2021 and showed much improved form to get off the mark under Rules on handicap debut at Exeter (16.7f, heavy) in February, suited by emphasis on stamina. Not in anything like the same form at Chepstow (19.5f) 3 weeks ago, however.

Form: 1/63615

Our Pink Lady^t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Lily Pinchin| T: James Owen| OR: 101| D

11/1

Lightly raced and firmly on the up now for in-form stable, scoring again in 4-runner event at Southwell last time. This is a bit more competitive but she merits plenty of respect in hat-trick bid with underfoot conditions holding no fears.

Form: P66311

Crem Fresh⁵⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 10-13| J: G Sheehan| T: F Brennan| OR: 98| D

5/1

Made all in mares' handicap at Fakenham (20f) on her return in November and only just touched off at Leicester (15.5f) a week later. Form dipped thereafter but she did at least run better when third over 23.4f back at first-named venue in February.

Form: 5-12P43

Majestic Jameela²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 106| BF

7/2

Capitalised on handy opening mark at Plumpton (15.9f) in February and took a step forward up in trip when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon (20.7f) 24 days ago. Should go well again despite being nudged up further 4 lb.

Form: 142712

Forecasts

Blue Beach (11/8), Majestic Jameela (7/2), Crem Fresh (5/1), Tilly Toughnut (7/1), Our Pink Lady (11/1), Emily's Choice (14/1), Ottoline (28/1)

Following a couple of in-the-frame efforts over fences initially this term, BLUE BEACH returned to this sphere at the top of her game when just touched off at Market Rasen 46 days ago and she looks sure to go well again partnered by Harry Cobden. Our Pink Lady and Emily's Choice are others fancied to be firmly in the mix.