Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:58 | Winning time: 6m 7.66s

Impose Toi¹⁸⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 148

5/2

Has developed into a mainstay in top handicap hurdles and boasts a superbly consistent record, finding only a highly-progressive rival too strong in 16-runner contest at Punchestown in May. Has to prove stamina for 3m but lots to like for leading connections.

Form: 23/1242-

Chasing Fire⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 136

4/1

Enhanced superb record fresh when landing 4-runner 3m handicap at Perth in September. Up 5 lb in a better race but his profile is a positive one so he's on the shortlist.

Form: 1/7P93-1

Katate Dori^p,t²⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Dylan Johnston⁽³⁾| T: S Thomas| OR: 132

13/2

Much improved since sent chasing, winning first 2 starts in the mud at Exeter/Chepstow and better than ever for latest win at Kempton in February. Excuses for his defeat in the Ultima the following month and he's lower in the weights back hurdling for in-form yard.

Form: 41121P-

The Lord Maid²¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 132

4/1

Won maiden/novice hurdle last spring and cemented a solid start to his handicap career when landing 9-runner handicap at Ayr in April (3m). Lightly raced so could be even more to come from him.

Form: 11/2721-

Kyntara²⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 131| CD

25/1

Made up into a useful hurdler in 2023/24, winning twice and also second in Pertemps at the Festival. Failed to convince in a trio of chase starts last term and others more persuasive despite switch to timber.

Form: 22F/44P-

Crebilly²¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130

12/1

Did well over fences in 2023/24 the highlight being a fine second in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival. Failed to see out the 25f trip in the Ultima at this year's Festival and he didn't show much more at Ayr the following month. Back hurdling for reappearance.

Form: 7/03695-

Idem²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: P W Wadge| T: L Russell & M Scudamore| OR: 128

4/1

Hasn't always looked the most straightforward but did win a Kelso handicap under a skilful ride from this jockey in December. Matched that form when runner-up on reappearance 4 weeks ago but this is a better race.

Form: 8R140-2

Forecasts

Impose Toi (5/2), Chasing Fire (4/1), The Lord Maid (4/1), Idem (4/1), Katate Dori (13/2), Crebilly (12/1), Kyntara (25/1)

The interesting one here is arguably KATATE DORI, who has to prove he's as effective over hurdles but he's well handicapped on his chase form if that is the case and he's returning with his yard in red-hot form. Chasing Fire and Impose Toi are solid opponents.