Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 4m 52.82s

Gowel Road^p²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 145| C

28/1

His last 10 outings have been at Cheltenham. Second to Lucky Place in this last year before winning the Cleeve Hurdle later in January. Back to best when third in 3m handicap in November and worth forgiving him a lesser effort over fences at the December meeting.

Form: 218-037

Lucky Place¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Paul O'Brien| T: N J Henderson| OR: 153| BF| CD

11/2

Dual Grade 2 hurdle winner last season, including beating Gowel Road to win this race. Hasn't looked a natural in 2 chase outings in recent weeks but should go well back over the smaller obstacles.

Form: 1174-32

Jingko Blue⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144| D

5/1

Point winner who was 2-4 as a novice over hurdles and quickly made up into a smart chaser last term, successful twice including at Grade 2 level. Looked and shaped like he'd come on for last month's hurdles reappearance at Haydock (3m). Down in trip.

Form: 1P/11U-7

Kabral Du Mathan^t⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 154

8/15

Progressive around 2m for Paul Nicholls and took it up another notch for new yard after wind surgery when easily winning 19f Haydock handicap on reappearance. Will stay 2½m and can take the step up to Graded level in his stride.

Form: 1/1222-1

Kamsinas^t¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 136| D

33/1

Useful hurdler and similar standard when runner-up in a pair of 3m maiden chases this month. Probably vulnerable at this level back over timber.

Form: 4820-22

The Real Whacker^p,t⁶¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: P Neville| OR: 146| C

12/1

Good Cheltenham chase record, including a 3m Grade 1 novice win at the 2023 Festival. Reverted to hurdles when second on Perth reappearance but has disappointed in the Charlie Hall (a race he won last season) since.

Form: 1454-25

Forecasts

Kabral Du Mathan (8/15), Jingko Blue (5/1), Lucky Place (11/2), The Real Whacker (12/1), Gowel Road (28/1), Kamsinas (33/1)

KABRAL DU MATHAN couldn't have been much more impressive on his first run for Dan Skelton and that very smart handicap performance suggests he's more than capable of winning at Graded level. Last year's winner Lucky Place hasn't taken to fences but can do better back hurdling and give the selection most to think about.