quinnbet.com Novices' Handicap Hurdle

4YO plus | Class 5 | 2m 3f 207y | 8 Runners | Turf

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Lewis Saunders⁽⁵⁾| T: Nick Scholfield| OR: 99| BF| C

Won here as a 28/1 shock in heavy ground in December. Third of 13 in handicap hurdle at Wincanton (15/8 fav) 23 days ago, confirming that success wasn't a fluke with his best effort to date. Returns to the scene of that victory and has a leading chance.

Form: 9-8P1B3

L'allier⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Benjamin Poste| T: S Cameron| OR: 94

Sold cheaply out of Michael Wigham's yard and showed nothing on belated return when fifth of 8 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (16/1) 72 days ago following 19-month absence, raced off the pace and lost touch after mistake at fourth. Steps up in trip but plenty to prove.

Form: 0446/4-5

Upthereforthinking^v1⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Philip Armson⁽³⁾| T: J Coulson| OR: 88

Maiden who showed nothing when tailed off last of 5 in selling hurdle at Leicester (25/1) 41 days ago on return from 14 months off. First-time visor replaces cheekpieces. Plenty to prove.

Form: 47465-5

Inion Tiogair^b¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Joe Anderson⁽³⁾| T: G Harris| OR: 84

Improved form this winter with three runner-up finishes in last five starts, though yet to win over hurdles. Second of 7 in handicap hurdle at Lingfield Park 19 days ago, ran well but lugged in behind the progressive winner and had no answer late in the day. This looks an easier assignment.

Form: 4-22542

Onehundredneighty⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Miss Clara Brewitt⁽⁷⁾| T: M Young| OR: 82

Yet to show ability under Rules and was tailed off when left second of 4 in maiden hurdle at Sedgefield (150/1) 43 days ago. Makes handicap debut upped in trip but plenty to prove.

Form: 7-90902

Churchman^p1¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: Tom Broughton⁽⁵⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 78

Maiden who finished third of 12 in handicap hurdle at Warwick (6/1) 15 days ago, travelling fluently before proving one-paced on the run-in. First-time cheekpieces applied and should be competitive.

Form: 437-363

Amalfi Skyline^h⁶³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Harry Bannister| T: F Brennan| OR: 78

Won over fences two years ago but absent since second of 7 in handicap hurdle at Plumpton (5/1) 21 months ago when flattered by proximity to eased-down winner. Market can guide on reappearance/first run for new yard.

Form: 6153P/2-

Liloo D'ores^v1,t⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-2| J: Benjamin Macey⁽⁵⁾| T: G Hanmer| OR: 73

Winless from 23 career starts and has been out of sorts for some time, again running poorly when sixth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (18/1) 5 days ago. First-time visor fitted.

Form: 356P66

Forecasts

Morning Mayhem (11/10), Inion Tiogair (3/1), Churchman (3/1), Amalfi Skyline (20/1), Liloo D'ores (20/1), Onehundredneighty (25/1), L'allier (25/1), Upthereforthinking (33/1)

MORNING MAYHEM confirmed his 28/1 Uttoxeter shock wasn't a fluke when producing his best effort at Wincanton last month and can follow up on his return to this venue. Inion Tiogair has improved this winter with three runner-up finishes, she isn't entirely straightforward but may be better than her current rating, while first-time cheekpieces could help Churchman, who seeks to break his maiden.