James Brewer 21 Years Undefeated Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 4m 49.90s

Minella Rescue³²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: G Hanmer| OR: 130

11/4

Placed in Grade 1 company as a novice. Started last season with a win and second in 23f Uttoxeter handicaps but has largely struggled since, including well held back at Uttoxeter last month.

Form: 28400-7

Sure Touch^t²⁴⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Lewis Saunders⁽⁵⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 130| D

8/1

Won the 2024 Summer Plate at Market Rasen and took advantage of a reduced mark at the same venue last autumn. Off since and got to be a chance he's using this return to hurdles as a prep for this year's Summer Plate.

Form: 467/051-

Our Guide³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 118

4/5

Bumper winner in Ireland and 2-3 over hurdles in Britain after maiden/novice wins in recent months, looking well suited by a step up to 2¾m at Stratford (good to soft) last time. Slightly shorter trip now but his opening mark looks lenient.

Form: 151-1

Paddy De Pole^p²⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Freddie Gingell| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 117| D

5/1

Fairly consistent over hurdles, landing a fourth handicap success in 8-runner event at Sedgefield (27f) last September. Given a break since finishing fourth at Chepstow (3m) the following month. Might be the one to follow Our Guide home.

Form: 32/5P14-

Forecasts

Our Guide (4/5), Minella Rescue (11/4), Paddy De Pole (5/1), Sure Touch (8/1)

This looks an excellent chance for the promising OUR GUIDE to make a successful start to his handicap career with his rivals having question marks over current form (Minella Rescue) and peak fitness after breaks (Sure Touch and Paddy de Pole). The last-named rival gets the vote for the forecast spot.