GC Rickards And Son Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 54.94s

Crystal Glance^p1²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 105| BF

10/3

4-time hurdle scorer, the latest at Warwick (21f) in May who has resumed from a break in decent form, seeming to find the test sharp enough when 8 lengths fifth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Bangor (19.5f) 4 weeks ago. Unexposed at this trip and cheekpieces could well put an extra edge on her now.

Form: 71-2135

Atlanta Brave²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: C O'Farrell| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 100| D

4/1

Has lost his way badly over fences in the last 12 months but looked unsuited by the drop in trip returned to this sphere when eighth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Ffos Las (20f, good to soft) 27 days ago. This rates more suitable but need to see more positive signs before becoming of interest.

Form: 84PP-P8

Despereaux^p²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: C Gethings| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 99| CD

6/4

Back-to-back winner of staying handicap hurdles last winter (including over C&D) who ran best race for a while with cheekpieces refitted when third of 16 in handicap hurdle at Huntingdon (25f, good) 22 days ago. Of interest from further reduced mark.

Form: 23-6593

Diamand De Vindecy^p⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: J J Burke| T: R Bevis| OR: 94

14/1

Has yet to get his head in front in this sphere (pulled up when last seen) but managed to cash in off a reduced mark on the Flat at Pontefract (18f) back in April. Exploits somewhat mixed in that sphere subsequently and others hold more pressing claims back in this code. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: 3730/6P-

Tracking Treasure^p1,t²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: M Sheppard| OR: 91

5/1

Maiden hurdler who was well held on first 2 starts back this term but his latest fourth of 7 in handicap at Hereford (25.5f, good) 21 days ago was a definite step back in the right direction. Connections now opt for fitting of cheekpieces and he's a player if building on that.

Form: 33P-564

Izzy's Grey^t¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Lee Edwards| T: B Clarke| OR: 89

16/1

Maiden who was placed in a pair of Bangor handicap in the spring but has been pulled up on all 3 starts since, latterly following 6 months off/wind surgery at Hereford (21.7f) 13 days ago, struggling 4 out. Has it to prove turned out relatively quickly.

Form: 032-PPP

Forecasts

Despereaux (6/4), Crystal Glance (10/3), Atlanta Brave (4/1), Tracking Treasure (5/1), Diamand De Vindecy (14/1), Izzy's Grey (16/1)

C&D winner DESPEREAUX ran his best race for a while with cheekpieces refitted when third in a big-field Huntingdon handicap 3 weeks ago and, with his yard going along nicely, he could be the answer from a further-reduced mark. Class-dropping Crystal Glance also merits serious consideration now sporting first-time headgear. Tracking Treasure rounds off the shortlist.