George And Dragon Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 3m 47.80s

Impero^p²³

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Jordan Gainford| T: C Collins| OR: 137| D

13/8

Prolific winner over hurdles for current connections, taking record in this sphere to 5-11 when scoring in great style at Kelso (16.2f, good) last month. Hit with an 8 lb rise for that, but the way he quickened clear was impressive and another bold show could be on the way.

Form: 11910-1

Carrigeen Kampala^t²²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 123| CD

10/11

Winner of 5 of her 12 starts in this sphere, including twice over this C&D, and she was far from disgraced when third in a 6-runner listed mares' hurdle at Wetherby (2m, good) on latest start in November. Will have every chance if fully tuned-up for this assignment.

Form: 1FF263-

In This World²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: James Best| T: B R Summers| OR: 115| D

22/1

Hurdles winner back in 2021 and opened chase account in a Worcester handicap last June. Creditable second on final run for Dan Skelton here the following month, but sent off at 33/1 and well held back hurdles on return/yard debut at Warwick last month.

Form: 22212-7

Everyonesgame⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-4| J: Lily Pinchin| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 113

6/1

Won 3 times over hurdles for Charlie Longsdon in 2023 but largely disappointing for present yard, including when down the field back hurdling at Worcester last time. Others preferred.

Form: 533U3-0

Non-Runners

Sir Galahad²⁶

Weight: 10-6| Age: 4

T: O Murphy J: S Bowen

Forecasts

Carrigeen Kampala (10/11), Impero (13/8), Sir Galahad (15/8), Everyonesgame (6/1), In This World (22/1)

If CARRIGEEN KAMPALA is ready to roll following a seven-month break she may well enhance her already impressive strike-rate over hurdles. Indeed, she didn't fare at all badly in listed company on her latest appearance and returns to handicap company on a workable mark (1 lb lower than when runner-up at Plumpton in September). Impero was pretty impressive at Kelso and is feared most ahead of the 4-y-o Sir Galahad, who is 3-3 over hurdles and brings potential to this handicap debut.