Halso High-Speed Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Charlie Hammond| T: S Edmunds| OR: 109WS

Twice placed in Leicester novice hurdles but pulled up on his handicap debut at Wetherby (3m) 30 days ago. Needs a subsequent breathing operation to spark improvement.

Form: 5-732P

Crackling Fire³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 117WS

9/2

Cost €115,000 as a 3-y-o but he has twice failed to build on a promising debut fourth at Chepstow in November. Remains with potential upped in trip on back of a breathing operation.

Form: 464

Inishcorker^p1²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: S Bowen| T: Miss R Curtis| OR: 122| BF

5/4

Point winner who has proved consistent in maiden hurdles, clear of Limerick Star when second at Ffos Las 27 days ago. Holds solid form claims in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 1-P2322

Limerick Star^p²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Ben Jones| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 117

7/2

Runner-up sole start in points and in the frame on all his 3 hurdles runs, cheekpieces fitted when a solid third of 9 at Ffos Las 27 days ago. Goes up in trip again now.

Form: 2/343

Solid Performer²³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 117| BF

9/2

Point winner who looked to have the race in control (10 lengths clear) when falling heavily 2 out in 21f novice hurdle at Haydock 23 days ago. Can gain compensation.

Form: 1-332F

Western George⁷⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

16/1

Fair form shown in bumpers and made an encouraging start in this sphere when fifth of 12 in novice at Fontwell (19f) 76 days ago, not knocked about. Goes up further in trip and can take a step forward.

Form: 0-385

Non-Runners

Therhythmofthenite⁵²

Weight: 11-10| Age: 5

T: M Gates J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Inishcorker (6/4), Solid Performer (3/1), Limerick Star (5/1), Crackling Fire (6/1), Western George (8/1), Arcadian Star (14/1), Therhythmofthenite (16/1)

SOLID PERFORMER holds the clear edge on form and gets a confident vote to swiftly make amends for his late fall at Haydock when having the race in safe keeping. The reliable Inishcorker appeals as the one to chase home Donald McCain's charge.