Valley Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:40 | Winning time: 6m 12.65s

Serious Chat^p²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 12-2| J: Charlie Maggs⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 112

4/9

Winner of a weak race at Wetherby (2½m, good) in November and improved again on second crack over 23f for latest success at Bangor a month ago. Up 5 lb but unexposed as a stayer and this could be another good opening.

Form: 161231-

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Striking A Pose^b²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 12-2| J: Freddie Gingell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 112

11/4

Dual Exeter winner in the mud early last year. Started the current campaign with decent efforts in a hurdle/chase at same course but seemingly going through the motions since, failing to see out 26.5f latest. This is easier.

Form: 4P5634-

Royal Rhythm^b²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: Benjamin Macey⁽⁷⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 97

13/2

Well backed and turned in his best effort of the season from a reduced mark when second of 8 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (19.7f, heavy) in February. Disappointing at Ayr and dropped away behind Serious Chat over 23.2.f at Bangor. Debatable whether this trip is what he wants.

Form: 574276-

Forecasts

Serious Chat (4/9), Striking A Pose (11/4), Royal Rhythm (13/2)

Unlike his other 2 rivals, SERIOUS CHAT arrives here on the up and with further progress possible over this trip, he can go in again. With Royal Rhythm well behind the selection last time, Striking A Pose can give the McCain runner most to think about.