Betting.Bet Free Bets Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:57 | Winning time: 5m 52.61s

Native Moon^b⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 107

11/4

Has proved consistent for current connections. Runner-up in a Exeter handicap (form is proving strong) prior to getting off the mark at Ascot (23.5f) 54 days ago, overcoming a 3 lb rise with authority. Up a further 5 lb but he's lightly-raced for his age and should remain competitive from this mark.

Form: P23421-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Chemical Warfare^t¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 107| C| D

9/1

Prolific winner since joining this yard, career best when winning for seventh time (only once over hurdles) in 3m2f handicap chase at Sedgefield in April prior to disappointing at Fakenham (29.1f) 17 days ago. Remains to be seen if he can exploit lower hurdles mark here.

Form: 41571-6

Prince De Juilley^p¹⁵⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Burke| T: A Ralph| OR: 106

8/1

Made the most of a drop in class when capitalising on his falling mark at Ludlow in October and advanced his form when runner-up back up in grade at Doncaster (24.4f, good) the following month. Disappointed on final outing at Southwell last year but no surprise to see him bounce back after a break,

Form: 8P3124-

I'm A Starman¹⁸

Age: 12| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Cobden| T: M G Rimell| OR: 104

4/1

Likeable veteran made it back-back-victories when finding plenty for pressure to land a 5-runner handicap hurdle at Warwick (25f, good) 18 days ago. 6 lb rise forces him up in grade but he arrives in great heart in bid for hat-trick.

Form: 36401-1

Master Dancer¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 102

4/1

Winless since taking a Stratford novice back in October 2022 but is becoming well treated on the best of his form. Failed to back up one of his more creditable efforts when underperforming at this venue (20f), 17 days ago but could be worth another chance back over this longer trip.

Form: 36/464-9

Slip Of The Tongue^b,t¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: Toby Wynne| T: S-J Davies| OR: 100

40/1

Ended time with Padraig Roche in Ireland out of sorts and has underperformed for current connections this season, showing little sign of capitalising on his falling mark. Best to look elsewhere.

Form: PPP48-6

Call To Duty⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Ben Jones| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 98

10/3

Showed clear promise in maiden/novice hurdles but has become disappointing. Fared no better following 4 months off (had breathing operation in the interim) when pulled-up at Fontwell in March. Bit to prove following that effort but too soon to write him off completely.

Form: P/246PP-

Forecasts

Native Moon (11/4), Call To Duty (10/3), I'm A Starman (4/1), Master Dancer (4/1), Prince De Juilley (8/1), Chemical Warfare (9/1), Slip Of The Tongue (40/1)

It might pay to take a chance on MASTER DANCER who has dropped to an appealing handicap mark and looks well worth another go at this sort of trip. Last time out winner Native Moon is lightly raced for his age and should give another good account from a 5 lb higher mark, while hat-trick seeking veteran I'm A Starman still warrants plenty of respect up in grade.