Follow Us On X At BetRhino Handicap Hurdle

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Lorcan Murtagh| T: N J Hawke| OR: 107

Enjoyed a most productive spell when winning 5 times from 6 starts in the first half of 2023. Largely struggled since but took a step back in the right direction after a break when second of 6 at Plumpton 3 weeks ago. Well treated if he can build on that.

Form: P30-762

Golden Move^p1²¹⁷

Fairly useful handicapper on Flat for Richard Fahey. Little better than modest form when third in a pair of maiden hurdles in the spring but appeals as one who could take off in this sphere now handicapping on the back of wind surgery. Also wears first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 33-

I Have A Voice^t,p²²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: James Davies| T: N J Hawke| OR: 105WS

Won twice in juvenile hurdles in 2022/23 season but well below that level in 3 handicaps last season. Has had wind surgery ahead of reappearance. Best watched unless the betting hints otherwise.

Form: 91U/707-

Double Dragon¹⁷⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: Chad Bament⁽¹⁰⁾| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 105

Stepped up on hurdle debut third when taking a 2m Ffos Las maiden (good) in May. Unexposed now switching to handicap company after a break.

Form: 40-31

Flash Gorcombe^t²¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Kimber| T: R Walford| OR: 104

Notched 3 chase wins last season. Betting perhaps the best guide to expectations back hurdling on reappearance.

Form: 132118-

Double Click^p¹⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: William Featherstone⁽⁷⁾| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 103

Bounced back with a career-best effort to land a 9-runner handicap at Chepstow (2m, soft) in March. Runner-up there next time but below par at Ffos Las when last seen in May.

Form: 02412-6

Polisud^t²¹²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Reed| T: Daisy Hitchins| OR: 101| D

Fairly useful hurdle/chase winner in France who took advantage of his falling mark in a Newcastle handicap hurdle in March. Also reached the frame on his final 2 starts. Sold out of Micky Hammond's yard for £4,000 last month.

Form: 563124-

Saint Cyr De Pail³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 100| CD

Built on debut to win a C&D maiden in April. Found it tougher under a penalty at Worcester 6 months later but he brings unexposed potential to this handicap debut.

Form: 61-7

Star Of Affinity^t²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 99| CD

Had previously shaped like more of a staying type but showed benefit of wind surgery/application of a tongue strap after 5 months off when winning 18-runner C&D handicap in October. Better form when second of 10 at Ascot (19f) since. Should go well again.

Form: F43-P12

Forecasts

Golden Move (2/1), Double Dragon (5/2), Star Of Affinity (5/1), Polisud (10/1), Double Click (12/1), Inferno Sacree (12/1), Saint Cyr De Pail (12/1), Flash Gorcombe (14/1), I Have A Voice (50/1)

A race which to some degree revolves around GOLDEN MOVE, who could be a lot better than this opening hurdle mark judged on his Flat ability. Confidence in his chance would be increased should the betting vibes be strong. Star of Affinity arrives in form and is second choice ahead of Inferno Sacree.