AK Bets Home Of Free Bets Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 5m 14.75s

Sunday Soldier¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: R P McLernon| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 120| D

3/1

Fast-improving hurdler who completed the 5-timer cosily at Musselburgh last time. Hasn't reached her limit and worth a chance to add another to such an impressive sequence.

Form: 311111

Space Voyage^t⁵⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 117| DWS

11/2

Took very well to hurdling last term, winning 3 small-field novice events. Creditable third in 21f Wincanton handicap in November but needs to shrug off some lesser efforts since.

Form: 1-7357P

Roccos Inspiration^t³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Dylan Johnston⁽⁵⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 106

7/1

Proved expensive to follow over hurdles in Ireland but made a winning start for Olly Murphy in 8-runner novice hurdle at Uttoxeter in January. Not disgraced when second under a penalty at Sedgefield next time but tame showing at Chepstow last time. Too soon to write off.

Form: 432123

St John's Road^t⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-8| J: P W Wadge⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 100

7/1

Finished runner-up in a bumper and offered encouragement on first two hurdling outings. Disappointed on handicap debut at Carlisle last time but it's too soon to write her off.

Form: 2237

Similar Story¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Sean Quinlan| T: W Coltherd| OR: 100

5/2

Easy winner of a point and stepped forward from previous hurdling efforts when runner-up to Sunday Soldier at Musselburgh 19 days ago. Solid claims.

Form: 542352

Donso Star¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: R M Smith| OR: 98

5/1

Winner at Ayr in March. Good 2½ lengths third of 12 to Sunday Soldier in handicap hurdle (8/1) at Musselburgh (19.8f, heavy) 19 days ago, best work finish. Should give another good account if they go a sound pace.

Form: 696213

Non-Runners

Cailin Dearg⁶¹

Weight: 10-2| Age: 9

T: R Dobbin J: Craig Nichol

Forecasts

Similar Story (5/2), Sunday Soldier (3/1), Donso Star (5/1), Space Voyage (11/2), Cailin Dearg (13/2), St John's Road (7/1), Roccos Inspiration (7/1)

SUNDAY SOLDIER has been one of the most progressive hurdlers of the season and there was little sign that the handicapper had caught up with her at Musselburgh, so she's a confident choice to make it 6 in a row. Donso Star is in good order and can make her presence felt, while Similar Story (runner-up to the selection on latest outing) can't be ruled out.