Darlington Mowden Park RFC Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:52 | Winning time: 7m 7.90s

Scudamore^p¹²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: I J Power| T: J Candlish| OR: 95

8/1

Absent 12 months prior to his return in May and shaped as if back in good heart last 2 starts, third of 8 in handicap at Southwell (24.3f, good to firm) in October. Off since but he's run well fresh before so could be in the mix.

Form: 27/5-F53

Ballin Bay¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: R Menzies| OR: 95

9/2

Had been struggling for form (including over fences) following Kelso success, but shaped well back hurdling on stable debut when third at Wetherby in March. Left reappearance run behind when never-nearer fourth of 9 also at Wetherby (24.1f, heavy) 13 days ago, but more needed.

Form: P643-P4

East Eagle^t³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Charlie Maggs⁽⁵⁾| T: M E Sowersby| OR: 85

18/5

Following a wind op, took advantage of reduced mark when opening account at Southwell (24.3f) in April. Has worked his way back to his best this season, doubling his tally with a game success at Catterick (25.3f, good) on New Year's Day, so he's respected upped in trip.

Form: P96241

Dillarchie^p⁵⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Miss J E Foster| OR: 85| CD

13/8

Last win came at this C&D in February 2024 and, from her falling mark, turned in best effort of the current campaign when runner-up at Catterick (25.3f, good) in December. Could be ready to return to winning ways back at this venue.

Form: 46P-672

Honey I'm Good^t⁴⁵⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Miss Eleanor Williams⁽⁷⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 84

28/1

Landed handicap chase at Stratford in August 2024 and held her form well for the remainder of last season, placed over hurdles at Hereford and second of 4 over fences back at Hereford (25.2f, good) when last seen 15 months ago. Capable if ready to go on return.

Form: 612332-

Topkapi Star^b,t⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Peter Kavanagh| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 83| C

11/1

Wide-margin winner at Ayr in first-time cheekpieces a year ago but hasn't been able to match that level since, in first-time tongue strap when pulled up at Doncaster (24.4f, soft) in December. Blinkers reapplied, though others more persuasive.

Form: 7-53P4P

King Casey^p1¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: B S Hughes| T: Miss J E Foster| OR: 82

5/1

Without a win but made the frame in a Market Rasen handicap in June and ran close to that level when third at Wetherby (24.1f, heavy) 13 days ago, the conditions just seeming to take their toll. Merits consideration from his current mark with cheekpieces added.

Form: P-64843

Forecasts

Dillarchie (13/8), East Eagle (18/5), Ballin Bay (9/2), King Casey (5/1), Scudamore (8/1), Topkapi Star (11/1), Honey I'm Good (28/1)

DILLARCHIE returned to form when runner-up at Catterick on her latest outing, beaten only by one who has scored again since, so she could be set to gain a second C&D victory from 6 lb below her last winning mark. East Eagle was suited by the step back up in trip when successful at Catterick last time and isn't taken lightly, with King Casey also one to note.