Racing TV Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:35 | Winning time: 6m 17.66s

Imperial Merlin⁹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-1| J: Craig Nichol| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 121| DWS

13/2

Fairly useful hurdler who landed 3 of his 5 starts as a novice in 2022/23 campaign. Lightly raced and mixed bag since but given a break/had wind surgery following a lesser chase display at Doncaster in December and better showing anticipated (has gone well fresh).

Form: 3FP-523

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Minella Rescue¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-1| J: Jack Hogan⁽³⁾| T: G Hanmer| OR: 121

15/8

Dual bumper winner who made it third time lucky over hurdles in 2¾m Stratford novice in May. Not discredited when fourth at Bangor next time and his latest second in 3-runner Doncaster novice (24.4f) 17 days ago was his best effort yet. Worth a look on handicap bow.

Form: 843-142

Tiger Jet^h⁷⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Mr Jamie Neild⁽⁷⁾| T: J Candlish| OR: 115| CD

9/2

C&D winner who was right back to best after 6 months off when making a winning stable debut at Cartmel (22f, heavy) in August. Not in anything like the same form either outing since, latterly when well-beaten sixth in 8-runner handicap here 79 days ago. Still, not discounted.

Form: 357-146

Zacony Rebel^p²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-1| J: James Best| T: S-J Davies| OR: 107

25/1

Dual hurdles/chase winner who was largely disappointing during a light 2023/24 campaign for Toby Lawes and hasn't really got back on track for present stable this term.

Form: U55-058

Lune De La Mer^p²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Henry Brooke| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 102

13/8

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner in spring 2023 who bettered opening pair of exploits in handicaps back from a lengthy absence when third in 8-runner event at Doncaster (19.4f) 4 weeks ago. Remains lightly raced for an 8-y-o but he did look a little awkward. Cheekpieces retained.

Form: 31/1-7P3

Forecasts

Lune De La Mer (13/8), Minella Rescue (15/8), Tiger Jet (9/2), Imperial Merlin (13/2), Zacony Rebel (25/1)

MINELLA RESCUE remains low-mileage and arrives on the back of just about his best effort yet when second in a 3-runner Doncaster novice 17 days ago. He could have more to offer now handicapping over staying trips and gets the narrow vote. Imperial Merlin, back from a break/wind surgery is another worth a second look, with Lune de La Mer completing the shortlist.