15:25 Cartmel

Saturday 24 August 2024

All14:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:0517:35

AF Connell Ltd Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 6m 30.55s

Tommie Beau⁸⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: M G Nolan| T: J W Mullins| OR: 135| CD

17/2

Multiple winner over fences last term who capitalised on drop in grade over fences here in May and made light of quick turnaround from lower mark over hurdles over C&D later that month. Up 5 lb but claims in hat-trick bid after 3 months off.

Form: 123P-11

Secret Trix^p,t⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 134

9/2

Has finished out of the first 2 only once in 9 starts since fitted with cheekpieces, resuming winning ways after a breathing operation at Uttoxeter (23.3f, soft) in July. Forecast conditions will hold no fears and he's respected again.

Form: 2214-21

Aramax^p,t⁸⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 130| CD

12/1

Successful twice (including over C&D) before losing his way. Low-key effort at Uttoxeter in May but some promise to glean from his effort when seventh behind Tommie Beau returned to this C&D 89 days ago. Handicapper has afforded him a chance.

Form: 1498-P7

Hurricane Ali³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Charlotte Jones| T: James Moffatt| OR: 124

8/1

Losing run is mounting up but he's posted solid placed efforts on 2 of his 3 starts since joining present yard, third of 12 in handicap hurdle at this course (22.1f, good to firm, 9/1) 35 days ago. Stamina has to be taken on trust here, however.

Form: 525-263

Our Sam^t⁵⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-8| J: Danny McMenamin| T: James Moffatt| OR: 115| CD

11/4

Bagged a hat-trick of victories last summer, including this corresponding race from 3 lb lower. Hasn't been disgraced in couple of starts earlier this season and he's worth bearing in mind stepping back up to this trip.

Form: 1126-50

Eyeofthescorpion^t⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 10-7| J: D R Fox| T: A B Hamilton| OR: 114

40/1

Capable if not the most willing under pressure over hurdles for previous connections. Off 19 months, was beginning to struggle when unseating at the tenth on stable debut over fences at Perth 7 days ago. This should reveal more but percentage call to look elsewhere.

Form: 232PF/U

Saint Bibiana^t³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: G Sheehan| T: G Nicholls| OR: 112| CD

9/2

Another who has improved markedly since stepping up in trip, completing quick-fire hat-trick over C&D in June. Confirmed she remains one to be interested in with a solid second at Newton Abbot (26.5f) last month and she's very much of interest again.

Form: 23-1112

City Derby^t³³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Lizzie Quinlan| OR: 108| CD

4/1

Underwent a wind op during the spring and has evidently benefited from it, allaying any stamina concerns as he completed a course hat-trick over C&D 33 days ago. Assessor applies further pressure but another holding claims in present groove. Tongue strap back on.

Form: 84-2111

Forecasts

Our Sam (11/4), City Derby (4/1), Saint Bibiana (9/2), Secret Trix (9/2), Hurricane Ali (8/1), Tommie Beau (17/2), Aramax (12/1), Eyeofthescorpion (40/1)

Plenty of in-form sorts in opposition with SAINT BIBIANA given the narrow vote to come out on top. Having completed a quick-fire hat-trick over C&D in June, she again ran well when runner-up at Newton Abbot 5 weeks ago and a 3 lb rise shouldn't prevent another bold showing. Secret Trix and City Derby are others to consider, along with last year's winner Our Sam, who will appreciate the return to this longer trip.