1st The Queens' Dragoon Guards Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 4m 2.68s

Light Dragoon^t¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 115| D

13/8

Lightly-raced 7-y-o who made it 2-4 over hurdles after 7 months off when running out an emphatic winner of a 6-runner handicap at Fontwell (17.7f) 17 days ago, jumping on 2 out and drawing clear run-in. 10 lb rise may not be enough to prevent the follow-up.

Form: 0/316-1

Callin Baton Rouge²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: C J Todd| T: C & A Pogson| OR: 107| D

6/1

Much improved for this yard, completing a handicap hurdle hat-trick last summer. Found life tougher in stronger company in the autumn but shaped as if back in good heart after 6 months off when fourth at Huntingdon (19.6f) 24 days ago. Can step up again with that under her belt.

Form: 11180-4

Tara Iti^v⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: James Owen| OR: 103| BF| D

13/8

Twice a winner in handicap hurdles for new yard this spring and standing up well to a busy schedule, second of 4 in handicap hurdle (11/8) at Uttoxeter (15.8f, good to soft) 7 days ago. Mark has crept up a little more but likely to give another good account of himself.

Form: 321F-22

Piecederesistance¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: B S Hughes| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 98

5/1

Fairly useful but ungenuine on Flat (stays 1½m). Has shown fair form at best in this sphere, off 5 months prior to finishing fifth of 7 in handicap hurdle (20/1) at Sedgefield (16.8f, firm) 19 days ago. Eased 2 lb ahead of this and better showing certainly not ruled out.

Form: 32/255-5

Forecasts

Tara Iti (13/8), Light Dragoon (13/8), Piecederesistance (5/1), Callin Baton Rouge (6/1)

LIGHT DRAGOON improved again after 7 months off and scored in the manner of one capable ol holding his own in much stronger company at Fontwell 17 days ago. He can defy a 10 lb rise. Tara Iti is thriving on a busy schedule and may provide chief resistance.