Le Willows Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:51 | Winning time: 5m 14.48s

Could Be Trouble^t,v1²¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-13| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 108

11/2

Patchy record but won mares' handicap at Hexham (20.1f) in October and a good third at Musselburgh (19.8f, good to soft) in November. Probably needed the run after 13 weeks off at Wetherby 3 weeks ago, though others still more persuasive. Visor on 1st time.

Form: 581439

Kazontherazz^p1²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Daire James McConville⁽⁷⁾| T: M Keighley| OR: 101

4/1

Stepped up on recent run when third at Ludlow (21.2f) in December. However, not in the same form both starts since, fifth past the post at Warwick (26f, heavy) 26 days ago (subsequently disqualified after rider weighed in light). Cheekpieces now reached for.

Form: 00530D

Eileen's Orders¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Brendan Powell| T: Miss H C Knight| OR: 100

6/4

Mid-division in 2 bumpers, before showing promise when placed both starts in mares' novice hurdles. Has run to a similar level in handicaps the last twice, fourth of 8 at Doncaster (20.8f, good) 17 days ago, and she could be in the mix.

Form: 663334

Wrappedinrubies^p1⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: William Maggs⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 98

9/4

Placed once from 3 starts over hurdles last season and took a step forward when winning mares' handicap at Catterick (19.3f, good) on return. Below-par effort at Bangor (19.6f, heavy) last time, but she could bounce back upped in trip with cheekpieces added.

Form: 0537-17

Ezmerellda²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: James Best| T: S-J Davies| OR: 93

25/1

Modest maiden on Flat but made second start over hurdles a winning one at Doncaster (16.6f) in December 2023. However, form has gone the wrong way this season, last of 7 at Wolverhampton (14f) back on the level last month. First run for yard after leaving Alan King.

Form: 42F-454

Non-Runners

Presenting Doy³⁶

Weight: 12-0| Age: 6

T: Miss E C Lavelle J: H Cobden

Miss Ireland³⁶

Weight: 11-11| Age: 6

T: Mrs L Richards J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Presenting Doy (4/6), Eileen's Orders (6/4), Miss Ireland (2/1), Wrappedinrubies (9/4), Kazontherazz (4/1), Could Be Trouble (11/2), Ezmerellda (25/1)

PRESENTING DOY has made a promising start over hurdles, opening her account at the second attempt at Lingfield last month, and she can follow up with more still to offer as goes she handicapping. Wrappedinrubies could be the danger.