Weatherbys & Birdie Calendars Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:08 | Winning time: 5m 10.6s

Everyonesgame¹³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Freddie Mitchell⁽⁵⁾| T: A Irvine| OR: 112

22/1

Fairly useful at best when winning 3 times over hurdles for Charlie Longsdon in 2023 but wasn't the same horse for Emma Lavelle, for all he ran creditably from his falling mark when second in a 4-runner Stratford (16.3f) handicap in June. Step back up in trip should suit on first run for new yard.

Form: 33U3-02

Jackstell²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 111

1/1

Bumper winner in Ireland last summer and off the mark at fifth time of asking over hurdles at Warwick last month. Followed up at Hereford (16.2f) under a penalty 3 weeks ago when again shaping as though he'll appreciate this longer trip. Likely improver on handicap debut.

Form: 2323-11

Jefe Triunfo¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Freddie Gordon⁽³⁾| T: C Gordon| OR: 106

4/1

Bumper winner opened his hurdles account in a Warwick maiden over 2m in June. Finished a well held third in a competitive novice final on handicap debut but disappointed back in calmer waters at Kempton (21f) last month. Needs to pull out a bit more to win a handicap.

Form: 513334

Captain Cool^t²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Ross Chapman| T: J Candlish| OR: 104

11/4

Irish point winner who built on his promise in maiden/novice hurdles (fitted with a first-time tongue strap) when second on handicap debut at Sedgefield (16.8f) in September. Didn't need to improve to go one better over the same C&D last time and can do better still back up in trip.

Form: P/1-4321

The Secret Pearl^t¹⁷²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Bryan Carver| T: A M Hales| OR: 103

8/1

Solid sixth in a competitive 2½m listed novice handicap prior to getting off the mark in an 8-runner novice hurdle at Market Rasen (16.6f). Still in contention when falling at the last at Fontwell in May and one to be interested in if the market vibes are positive back up in trip on her return.

Form: 54P61-F

Forecasts

Jackstell (1/1), Captain Cool (11/4), Jefe Triunfo (4/1), The Secret Pearl (8/1), Everyonesgame (22/1)

CAPTAIN COOL looks sure to improve for the step back up in trip and may be able to follow up his Sedgefield victory. Jackstell has to be feared tackling a longer distance on his handicap debut, while The Secret Pearl was still in contention when falling at Fontwell last time and would be interesting if the market suggests all is well on reappearance.