Racing Again 24th February Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 3m 55.76s

Demoiselle Kap^t²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 119| D

7/1

Thrived over hurdles/fences after joining this yard last year, completing the 4-timer over hurdles at Sedgefield (16.8f) in March. Posted a solid fifth of 9 after 10 months off in handicap hurdle at Ludlow (15.8f, soft) 25 days ago so needs considering.

Form: 11122-5

Magnolia^t⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Joshua Thompson⁽⁵⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 118| D

25/1

French import who bagged a pair of 2m handicaps at Kelso in the autumn. Not at that level off a much higher mark since though, just fifth of 9 back there (18.1f, soft) last time. More is required.

Form: 32-1155

Haarar⁶^{(ex 7)}

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 111| CD

10/11

Better than ever at present and followed his Haydock success in December with an emphatic victory in 11-runner handicap at Carlisle (17f, good to soft) 6 days ago. Also took this prize 12 months ago and big shout under a 7 lb penalty.

Form: 13-2311

Three Dons²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Craig Nichol| T: A W Carroll| OR: 112| C

10/1

Eight-time winner on the Flat and has made a positive start to life over hurdles this winter, placed in a pair of 2m novices at Leicester. May do better on his handicap hurdle debut now so can't be dismissed.

Form: 23

Klitschko^t¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: Lucinda Hughes| OR: 109| D

13/2

Got back on track when fifth of 15 in handicap hurdle here (19.3f, good to soft) 19 days ago. Possibilities off an easing mark.

Form: 10-5335

Comanche Magic²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Charlie Hammond| T: S Edmunds| OR: 105

9/2

Fair ex-Irish hurdle who shaped well for his new handler when fourth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Fontwell (19.1f, heavy) 29 days ago, fading only late having taken a strong hold in front. Has to be taken seriously eased 2 lb here.

Form: 8753-64

Blue Bear⁶⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: Oscar Palmer⁽⁷⁾| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 86

16/1

Gained a first success at Sedgefield in February 2024 but lightly raced and not in the same form since. Returns from 21 months off here and also 7 lb out of the handicap.

Form: 4314U/7-

Forecasts

Haarar (10/11), Comanche Magic (9/2), Klitschko (13/2), Demoiselle Kap (7/1), Three Dons (10/1), Blue Bear (16/1), Magnolia (25/1)

Last year's victor HAARAR arrives in the form of his life so is fancied to defy a 7 lb penalty for his most recent Carlisle victory and complete a hat-trick here. Stuart Edmunds' new recruit Comanche Magic went with promise when fourth at Fontwell last time though and rates a big danger, while handicap debutant Three Dons can also have a say. Demoiselle Kap and Klitschko complete the shortlist.