Racing TV Club Day Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 4m 8.79s

Givemefive^p²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 130| D

17/2

Landed Cheltenham conditions race on return to hurdling in October. Respectable fourth in 2m Fairyhouse Grade 2 in November but made disappointing start to his handicap career when well held in valuable Windsor race won by Secret Squirrel. Cheekpieces worn on the Flat earlier in career go on now.

Form: 124-140

Ginger Mail^p²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Bruce Lynn| T: N W Alexander| OR: 126| CD

13/2

Consistent type who won over C&D last January and was also an excellent second in the valuable Morebattle Hurdle at this venue in March. Showed his versatility when winning over 2½ miles (soft) at Ayr last time, confirming he's as good as ever. No reason why he shouldn't run well again.

Form: 320-451

Wise Eagle²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Craig Nichol| T: A Nicol| OR: 123| D

11/8

Very useful stayer on the Flat who has completed simple tasks returned to this sphere, landing maiden/novice races at Musselburgh/Catterick with loads in hand. Continued the good work when a solid second on the level last month and very interesting making handicap debut off potentially lenient mark.

Form: 212/11

Mack The Man¹³

Age: 11| Weight: 11-1| J: Mr Kit Alexander⁽⁵⁾| T: N W Alexander| OR: 117| D

33/1

Veteran course winner who responded well to fitting of a visor, gaining a third win of 2024 at Ayr in November. Found his run of good form coming to a halt of late, finishing last at Musselburgh (15.6f) earlier this month. Others in better heart at present.

Form: 141340

Coniston George²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards| OR: 117| CD

3/1

C&D winner has been running with credit since switch to handicaps at the back end of last term and given the impression that he'll be even better at 2½ miles. An emphasis on speed would count against him here but he remains of interest having performed respectably in similar races this season.

Form: 32-3245

Maghlaak^p¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Henry Brooke| T: A Keatley| OR: 116| D

15/2

Fairly useful Flat performer who has been kept busy for a first-season hurdler, winning twice from 7 starts. Benefitted from a relatively short break/addition of first-time cheekpieces when bouncing back to form (fourth of 12, Musselburgh, 15.6f) 13 days ago. Should give another good account.

Form: 441134

Bashful^p,t¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: B S Hughes| T: I Jardine| OR: 110| D

9/1

Better than ever when landing a Musselburgh handicap hurdle for the second year in a row (13 days ago), having seemingly been laid out for the race. An 11 lb hike makes life tougher on his second run following wind surgery, but clearly in fine fettle at present.

Form: 11-8551

Forecasts

Wise Eagle (11/8), Coniston George (3/1), Ginger Mail (13/2), Maghlaak (15/2), Givemefive (17/2), Bashful (9/1), Mack The Man (33/1)

A smart stayer on the Flat, it would be disappointing if WISE EAGLE did not prove to be better than his current mark over hurdles. He's taken to make a successful handicap debut in this sphere, ahead of C&D winner Coniston George who will be hoping for a sound gallop at this trip. Consistent first season hurdler Maghlaak can run creditably once again.