Oddschecker+ Subscription Service Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:10 | Winning time: 4m 53.97s

The Truant¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Paddy Hanlon⁽⁵⁾| T: M J Attwater| OR: 105

9/1

Dual-purpose performer landed a gamble in a 2m Punchestown handicap hurdle on final run for Paul W. Flynn. Operating below his best on the all-weather of late but cannot be totally discounted on just his second start over hurdles for new yard.

Form: 94/9818-

Tyson²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 101

11/8

Confirmed the promise of an eye-catching previous run when landing a gamble to open his account at Newcastle (2½m) in March. Made little impact off 9 lb higher in a better race at Fakenham subsequently but needs considering back in calmer waters.

Form: 89P51-7

Below The Belt^p1¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: David Bass| T: M Comley| OR: 95

9/4

Lightly-raced 5-y-o showed improved form when runner-up on handicap bow at Market Rasen (21f) 17 days ago, not looking flattered despite always being well positioned, and he makes plenty of appeal to go one better in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 93805-2

Charlie My Boy²³⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-1| J: James Davies| T: J R Jenkins| OR: 92| CD

15/2

Cosy winner off 5 lb lower on reappearance in this race 12 months ago, and while not in the same form when well-held fifth here on latest start in October, he's presumably been kept fresh for a repeat bid.

Form: 78/14P5-

Raffles Nobu^b,t²³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: J M Quinlan| T: Nick Scholfield| OR: 90

11/2

Hasn't recaptured his best since joining capable new yard, extending a long losing run when pulled up at Uttoxeter last time, though is at least worth another go over this sort of distance.

Form: 44364-P

Non-Runners

Kentucky River²¹

Weight: 11-6| Age: 4

T: O Murphy J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Tyson (11/8), Below The Belt (9/4), Kentucky River (5/2), Raffles Nobu (11/2), Charlie My Boy (15/2), The Truant (9/1)

Low-mileage 5-y-o BELOW THE BELT looks the most solid option, and the addition of first-time cheekpieces can see him go one better than he did on handicap debut at Chepstow. Tyson contested a much stronger handicap at Fakenham last time and this find this much easier. Last year's winner Charlie My Boy has to be considered also.