Logic Defying Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 4m 54.30s

Jimmy Hurdstrom³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 119| BF

4/1

Progressed with each run in bumpers and quickly reached a fairly useful level over hurdles, running best race when third over C&D on penultimate start. Compromised his chance with a late error back in maiden company at Market Rasen and he's one to consider back in a handicap.

Form: 2/24533-

Champagne Twist^p⁵³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 117

10/1

Won the EBF Final at Sandown in March 2024 but hasn't progressed as might have been expected since, ending a run of non-completions at Newbury in February before unseating at Uttoxeter the following month.

Form: 3PPP5U-

Crest Of Stars^t²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Chad Bament⁽⁵⁾| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 116

7/2

Bumper winner who opened his hurdles account at Taunton in January and benefited from the step back up in trip when defying a penalty back at that venue (19f) 4 weeks ago. Likely he'll appreciate this longer trip returned to a handicap and he's one to consider.

Form: 131431-

Norman Fletcher^p³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: James Turner⁽⁵⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 114

6/1

Winless since 2024 and his jumping typically not up to scratch in first-time cheekpieces (retained) when seventh at Haydock (21f) last month. Drops back down in class now and his mark continues to ease at least.

Form: 5P9837-

King Of The Road^t1⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Callum Pritchard| T: B Pauling| OR: 112WS

10/1

Progressive initially in handicaps, winning 3 times in 2024 and best effort for a while when runner up at Kempton (21f) in December. Disappointed both starts since the turn of the year and he arrives here fitted with a tongue strap having also had a breathing operation.

Form: 430290-

Il Va De Soi^p¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 108| CD

3/1

Lost his way completely in 2025/26 but emerged from a spell in the doldrums to capitalise on a career-low mark in a C&D handicap 11 days ago, in command last. Remains well treated on old form and another bold showing could well be on the cards.

Form: 0P758-1

La Vish²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: Sarah Hollinshead| OR: 108| CD

5/1

Improved to get off the mark in 3-runner C&D novice in March and backed up that effort when third on handicap debut at Perth (2½m, good) 4 weeks ago. Can give another good account with Sean Bowen an eye-catching booking.

Form: 83313-

Forecasts

Il Va De Soi (3/1), Crest Of Stars (7/2), Jimmy Hurdstrom (4/1), La Vish (5/1), Norman Fletcher (6/1), Champagne Twist (10/1), King Of The Road (10/1)

IL VA DE SOI emerged from a spell in the doldrums when capitalising on a career-low mark over C&D 11 days ago and still well-in old form, a bold follow-up bid could well be on the cards. Taunton scorer Crest of Stars appeals as the type to benefit from this further increase in trip and is feared most. Jimmy Hurdstrom completes the shortlist.