Robert Case Memorial Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:35 | Winning time: 4m 2.26s

Always Stronger²³

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

8/1

Third in an Irish point in May 2024 but there wasn't a great deal of immediate promise in his Rules debut eighth in a Southwell maiden hurdle (20.4f, soft) last month.

Form: 3-8

Hans Lippershey¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Harry Bannister| T: B I Case| OR: 107

4/1

Made the frame all 3 starts in bumpers and positive start over hurdles when third of 11 at Huntingdon in November. Poor round of jumping didn't aid his cause when well held on recent handicap debut at Wincanton and he looks vulnerable for win purposes back in maiden company.

Form: 243740

Mister Ursus^h²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: K Brogan| T: O Murphy| OR: 112

10/11

Multiple Flat winner in France and has improved with each of his 3 starts switched to hurdles for present yard. most recently going close in a 2m Chepstow maiden (soft). Strong claims.

Form: 422

Callmesusie²²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: James Davies| T: L Allan

250/1

Just the one win from 14 starts in points and has shown nothing in a handful of runs under Rules to date.

Form: 324-R7P

Zarakerjack⁷⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 102

11/4

Fair winner on the Flat for Tom Clover and placed in a pair of 2m Kempton juvenile hurdles for new yard this winter. Needs to brush up on his jumping/learn to settle but there's clearly plenty of ability there and he's the clear main danger to Mister Ursus.

Form: 23

Forecasts

Mister Ursus (10/11), Zarakerjack (11/4), Hans Lippershey (4/1), Always Stronger (8/1), Callmesusie (250/1)

MISTER URSUS has taken steps forward with each of his three starts in this sphere and is taken to open his hurdles account, though the 4-y-o Zarakerjack will give him plenty to think about if able to get his act together jumping-wise. Hans Lippershey hasn't gone on from his encouraging debut over hurdles but he still has time on his side.