Backing Bentswood Hub Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 4m 6.51s

Kill The Groove^t⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: K Jewell| OR: 96

25/1

Fair form shown in bumpers/hurdles for Ben Pauling but looks to be going the wrong way, finishing well beaten in a pair of 20.5f course handicap hurdles since joining Karen Jewell.

Form: 9-333P6

Our Papa Smurf^p⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 94| D

11/2

Flat winner who got off the mark in this sphere at Warwick (2m, heavy) last December. Off 12 months before a well-held sixth on handicap debut at Fontwell 49 days ago but he should be sharper for the run. Cheekpieces are also refitted.

Form: 561-6

Dotties Star⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Sean Houlihan| T: P Phelan| OR: 88| CD

11/4

Modest maiden on Flat. Caused a surprise when winning a weak C&D novice last January but hasn't reproduced that since, including pulling up at Huntingdon latest. A return to Plumpton needs to help spark a revival.

Form: 3/714-8P

Frank Stamper^h¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex| OR: 100

13/8

Fair maiden on the Flat (stays 1½m) for Jamie Osborne. Better over hurdles when fourth in 2m Kempton juvenile 16 days ago and could be a class above now making a quick switch to handicaps.

Form: 34

Ephyra¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Chad Bament⁽⁷⁾| T: A Irvine| OR: 85

10/1

A fair maiden on the Flat for David Menuisier. Well held in qualifying runs over hurdles but has the potential for better now handicapping.

Form: 575

Suzy Wood⁵⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Freddie Mitchell⁽³⁾| T: A Irvine| OR: 84

9/1

Showed more than previously when picking up the pieces to finish a well held third in a C&D novice on reappearance. Not unduly punished when never involved back here since and could come into her own in low-grade handicaps.

Form: 07F-37

Master Dunraven²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 82

15/2

Fairly useful winner over 1¼m on the Flat in Ireland for Johnny Murtagh but yet to get anywhere near that level over hurdles, including in 3 handicaps. Could only consider if backed.

Form: 904-870

Forecasts

Frank Stamper (13/8), Dotties Star (11/4), Our Papa Smurf (11/2), Master Dunraven (15/2), Suzy Wood (9/1), Ephyra (10/1), Kill The Groove (25/1)

FRANK STAMPER's opening hurdle mark of 100 looks generous, particularly as there is almost certainly more to come from him. Andy Irvine pair Ephyra and Suzy Wood also appeal as possible improvers now handicapping for the first time over hurdles and may give Warren Greatrex's charge most to think about.