fakenhamdogfield.co.uk Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 5m 55.45s

Madajovy^p²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: J M Quinlan| T: L Allan| OR: 100

12/1

Modest maiden. First run since leaving Dan Skelton when pulled up in handicap at Southwell (2½m, good) 20 days ago, losing touch 4 out. Can only watch after that. Cheekpieces are refitted.

Form: 57227-P

Tuba²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Fern O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 92

5/6

Pulled up on his previous hurdle start for Fergal O'Brien but has won 3 on all-weather Flat since, including last twice. Looks to have found a good opportunity back over hurdles.

Form: 4U4PP-

Dame In Disguise^p²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Charlie Hammond| T: M Young| OR: 85

50/1

Well beaten in a trio of bumpers. Has fared no better switched to hurdles but handicaps provide her with a more realistic chance.

Form: 04797-P

Popa Rich¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-4| J: C O'Farrell| T: J Bedi| OR: 76

10/3

Found a bit improvement when placed twice over 2¾m at Cartmel last summer. Pulled up on Perth reappearance 18 days ago but might strip fitter now and the yard has had 2 winners recently.

Form: 80335-P

The Kings Soldier²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Oscar Palmer⁽⁷⁾| T: Tracey Leeson| OR: 72

10/3

Showed his first form for the switch to a handicap/longer trip (following a breathing operation) when fourth of 10 at Stratford last month. Didn't come close to reproducing that when remote sixth at Uttoxeter since, though.

Form: 56674-6

Forecasts

Tuba (5/6), The Kings Soldier (10/3), Popa Rich (10/3), Madajovy (12/1), Dame In Disguise (50/1)

Although TUBA was pulled up when last seen over hurdles he'd only recently joining Fergal O'Brien and 3 subsequent Flat wins show the stable has very much found the key to him now. Jessica Bedi has had 2 winners this week so Popa Rich might bounce back to form and give him most to do.