JCB 'Hands And Heels' Handicap Hurdle (Conditional/Amateur Riders)

4YO plus | Class 5 | 3m 2f | 6 Runners | Turf

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Johnathan Rees⁽⁵⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 105

Fair ex-Irish handicap hurdler for Louise Lyons who never threatened on his chasing debut when seventh of 10 in maiden chase at Tramore in October. Worth a market check starting out for excellent new yard back hurdling.

Form: 0P36-07

Pipers Cross^p²⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Cameron Johnstone-Baker⁽³⁾| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 100| D

9/2

Arrives in good nick without winning this term, needing a stronger gallop when fourth of 5 in handicap hurdle at Plumpton (25f, soft) 25 days ago. Ought to be thereabouts eased 1 lb.

Form: 13-5334

Sweet Magic¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr Jack Stenhouse⁽³⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 97

9/1

Yet to win a race but she wasn't discredited when fourth of 7 in handicap hurdle at Southwell (24.3f, soft) 18 days ago. Needs considering off a 3 lb lower mark here.

Form: 252-474

Scudamore^p¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Mr Edward Vaughan| T: J Candlish| OR: 95

10/3

Winless since 2023 but he resumed from 4 months off with a good second of 7 in handicap hurdle at Sedgefield (27f, soft) 16 days ago when not ideally placed. Well in the mix off the same mark.

Form: 7/5-F532

Mr Griffiths⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr Freddie Robson⁽⁵⁾| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 94| D

7/4

Promising son of Masked Marvel who was much improved on his handicap debut when landing 11-runner event at Fontwell (25.8f, heavy) 40 days ago. Up 6 lb but he has more to offer and is the one to beat.

Form: 745-81

Wot You Wearing^t,p⁴⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-5| J: Miss Kayla Ruddy⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 82

15/2

Ended his time with Robert Stephens last season well below par and pulled up on his yard debut in handicap hurdle at Fontwell (25.8f, heavy) 40 days ago.

Form: 0P4P5-P

Forecasts

Mr Griffiths (11/8), Scudamore (3/1), Pipers Cross (4/1), Kells Priory (7/1), Sweet Magic (12/1), Wot You Wearing (16/1)

MR GRIFFITHS looked an improved model sent handicapping for the first time when going in at Fontwell and can make light of a 6 lb rise in the weights here. Sedgefield runner-up Scudamore appeals as the one to chase him home, although Olly Murphy's new recruit Kells Priory is worth a market check and in-form duo Pipers Cross and Sweet Magic command respect too.