Bet Clever Bet Goodwin Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:13 | Winning time: 5m 20.83s

Party Business^p³³

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: C J Todd| T: Ian Williams| OR: 111| D

7/1

Without a win in 19 starts and finished fourth of 6 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (8/1) 33 days ago, not ideally placed and would benefit from more of a test at the trip. Drops in grade but the return to a shorter trip isn't sure to suit.

Form: P57-424

Western Clouds³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 110| BF

15/2

Won maiden over 20f at Perth before proving a disappointment under a penalty at Uttoxeter (8/13) 35 days ago. Should appreciate the step up in trip on handicap debut but her opening mark could have been a bit kinder.

Form: 514-413

D'jo Dela Barriere⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Miss Eleanor Williams⁽⁷⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 106

9/1

Won a handicap hurdle at Plumpton (4/1) in May but has run slightly below that level all 3 outings since, including in better company at Market Rasen last time when jumping tentatively and uncomfortable with the pace. Return to calmer waters more suitable at least.

Form: 86-1355

Janworth⁵³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 103| BF

5/1

Progressive since returning from 11 months off in May, winning handicaps at Sedgefield and at Worcester, either side of a final-flight fall at Southwell (had the race sewn up when departing). Ran respectably from an 8 lb higher mark back at Worcester last time but never threatened. Up in trip.

Form: 27-1F14

Gold Link³³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Ben Jones| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 102| BF

11/4

Returned to hurdles with two consecutive second-place finishes after moderate runs over fences. Shaped best for much of the way when 2nd of 13 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (5/2) 33 days ago, going well before jumping errors cost him ground late on. Leading claims.

Form: 646-622

Lightning Maqueen^t1⁸⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Rob Hargreaves⁽⁷⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 99

5/1

Showed promise in bumpers and much more like it over hurdles when third of 8 in a course maiden in May. Ran to a similar level when filling same spot on handicap debut back here (17.7f) last time and now steps up in trip in a first-time tongue strap.

Form: 35/5P-33

Robber's Bridge^h⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: Dan Horsford| OR: 99| BF

4/1

Had a sound record in handicaps for Simon Earle and proved better than ever after 6 months off/in refitted hood when making a winning stable debut at Market Rasen (18.6f) in April. Not seen to best effect in a falsely-run race back there in May before a respectable third at Worcester.

Form: 2141-23

Forecasts

Gold Link (11/4), Robber's Bridge (4/1), Lightning Maqueen (5/1), Janworth (5/1), Party Business (7/1), Western Clouds (15/2), D'jo Dela Barriere (9/1)

GOLD LINK has shown consistent form over hurdles with two consecutive seconds, shaping best at Uttoxeter before late jumping errors cost him. He's fancied to go one better and record a first win in this sphere. Robber's Bridge is a dual handicap hurdle winner who ran on well at Worcester on his most recent outing despite jumping issues, and should go well again, while D'jo Dela Barriere will benefit from a return to calmer waters.