Join Southwell Golf Club Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 5m 18.35s

Strictly Tango¹⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 12-1| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R Newland & J Insole| OR: 111| BF

4/1

Third in first 2 hurdles (trained in Ireland on debut) before getting it right in 10-runner maiden at Sedgefield (2m, soft) in October, making all. Improved again when runner-up on handicap debut a month later (winner been successful since). Hood left off and disappointing at Uttoxeter. Up in trip.

Form: 33126-

Matchless^p⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 109

5/1

Fairly useful hurdler who took advantage of drop in grade when landing a small-field Plumpton seller in November. Below par since, often looking hard work but he did cash in on the drop to selling company at Hexham in March.

Form: 44643-1

Final Edgar^p²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: M Walford| OR: 102

10/1

Placed for the second time this season when creditable 4¾ lengths third behind Les's Legacy at Hexham (20.1f) in March. Effort flattened out back there 4 weeks ago and others more persuasive.

Form: 626536-

Lune De La Mer^p³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Henry Brooke| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 101| BF| D

13/8

Bumper/maiden hurdle winner in 2023 and recaptured his form following a lengthy absence when third in a handicap at Doncaster (19.4f), looking awkward despite headgear. Let down by his jumping rather than lack of stamina when beaten favourite at Haydock but sound-enough effort when second at Bangor.

Form: 1/7P342-

Jumping Jupiter²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Tom Midgley⁽³⁾| T: M Walford| OR: 98

4/1

Opened his account at Hexham a year ago but below form in the autumn. Confirmed himself in good heart when shaping encouragingly (after 5 months off) when fourth of 9 in handicap hurdle at Newcastle (16.9f) and occupied same spot upped to 19.3f at Carlisle latest. Tongue tie removed.

Form: 216044-

Presenting Pete¹⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: K Brogan| T: J Mackie| OR: 98| CD

12/1

Modest handicap hurdler who put in a good shift when runner-up on chase debut at Sedgefield (21f, good to soft) in October. Has failed to build on that in 4 subsequent starts over the larger obstacles and now back hurdling.

Form: 42545U-

Non-Runners

Little Dipper³⁰

Weight: 11-2| Age: 5

T: Mrs M Rowley J: Charlie Deutsch

Forecasts

Lune De La Mer (13/8), Strictly Tango (4/1), Jumping Jupiter (4/1), Matchless (5/1), Little Dipper (8/1), Final Edgar (10/1), Presenting Pete (12/1)

This looks trappy and while LITTLE DIPPER was disappointing on handicap debut at Bangor a month ago, the drop in trip may well be a valid excuse so he's afforded another chance. Strictly Tango was also off his game slightly last time but had chased home a next-time-out winner prior to that, so he's respected, along with Jumping Jupiter.