18:45 Newton Abbot

Friday 14 June 2024

All17:3518:1018:4519:2019:5520:2521:00

EBCS Leisure Giddy Up Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 18:45 | Winning time: 4m 24.45s

Magical Maggie²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 119

4/1

Got back on the up when winning for the fourth time over hurdles in mares handicap at Ludlow (15.8f, heavy) in December. Has continued in decent heart since, fifth in competitive events at Cheltenham and Aintree the last twice, and she's a live each-way contender.

Form: 31435-5

Carrigeen Kampala²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Jack Hogan⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 118| C

8/1

Made it 3-3 here when running away with a small-field novice (16.7f, good) in September. Shaped much better than the distance beaten on handicap bow back from 9 months off at Cartmel (still well there when making a bad mistake at the final flight) but this demands improvement.

Form: 1/1121-7

Grivetana³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 117

7/2

Largely below par for Paul Nicholls in 2023 but back on track following a 6-month break when making a winning start for new connections at Southwell (15.8f, good to soft). Remains on a good mark up 4 lb and she's a must for the shortlist.

Form: 480/6F-1

Naeva^t⁵⁰³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Philip Armson⁽³⁾| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 110| D

125/1

Fair form in France, winning 3 claiming events over hurdles/fences in 2022. Understandably struggled in a Cheltenham Grade 2 on debut for new yard in January 2023 and this is more realistic but 16-month absence is an obvious concern.

Form: 117127/

Pillar Of Steel^p²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: David Noonan| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 109

28/1

As good as ever when getting back to winning ways in mares' handicap off this mark at Straftford last August but more miss than hit since. Cheekpieces refitted.

Form: 1364-69

Pop The Champagne^h1,t¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Brendan Powell| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 108| C

9/1

Bumper winner who was well placed to land 4-timer in novice hurdles at around 2m for Fergal O'Brien in summer 2022. Mixed bag since and while she posted one of her better efforts when runner-up at Warwick (2m, good to soft) recently, her jumping remains an issue.

Form: 8/3245-2

Mermaids Cave²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: C P O'Shea⁽⁷⁾| T: James Owen| OR: 107| D

9/2

Has sprouted wings since joining James Owen, winning 3 of her 4 starts for the yard. Latest success at Cartmel was gained under this claimer and while she continues to climb the weights, another bold show is very much on the cards.

Form: 837-111

Tour Ovalie²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: Isabel Williams⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 102

13/2

Fair in bumpers and of a similar level over hurdles, coping well with a test of speed when off the mark in 7-runner handicap at Stratford (16.3f, good) last month. Not disgraced when fifth to Mermaids Cave at Cartmel last time but will do well to reverse placings with that rival here.

Form: 3422-15

Karannelle^h,t⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: S Bowen| T: D A Rees| OR: 93| C

11/2

It's been a while since her last win but she goes well here and shaped encouragingly in a race not run to suit after 7 months off back here (16.8f, good) last week. This step up in trip looks a good move and she's one to be interested in.

Form: U420P-5

Forecasts

Grivetana (7/2), Magical Maggie (4/1), Mermaids Cave (9/2), Karannelle (11/2), Tour Ovalie (13/2), Carrigeen Kampala (8/1), Pop The Champagne (9/1), Pillar Of Steel (28/1), Naeva (125/1)

Having caught the eye on her recent reappearance at this course, KARANNELLE could be the answer. She should be spot-on with that run under her belt, she's on a good mark and clearly goes well round here. Grivetana is a much-respected main danger following her successful debut for this yard at Southwell, while Mermaids Cave has to be taken seriously in her bid for the four-timer.