Malcolm Group Handicap Hurdle

Inexpensive Flat-bred mare. Surprise winner at Hexham in June (50/1). Would have gone closer to following up barring a late error when 3¼ lengths second here last time (2½m). Opening mark looks harsh in the context of some flaky form, though, with the longer trip an unknown.

Back to something like her solid Taunton maiden form when off the mark at Ffos Las in May. Didn't go with her usual fluency when 3 lengths second at Uttoxeter 7 weeks on from a fall latest. Has improved since her sole previous attempt over 3m and looks interesting if getting the trip.

Hit the frame in trio of maiden/novice events before finishing well beaten on handicap bow at Hexham (2m) in June 2025. Returns over significantly further and is entitled to need this.

Veteran arrives in the form of his life, notching his third and fourth C&D wins when completing a double here last month. A 6-lb rise probably prevents the hat-trick, though.

Irish raider snapped a long losing run in this corresponding race last season. Now 2 lb lower following a couple of spins over inadequate trips at Wexford/Downpatrick in recent months. Interesting stepping back up in distance.

Clearly hasn't been the easiest to train in recent seasons. Joined a capable yard prior to this season and some positives to take from his return at Kelso in late-May. Unconsidered in the market/possibly amiss when well beaten here (2½m) subsequently and the longer trip is an unknown.

Promise in points/bumpers earlier in his career. Left previous hurdle efforts behind when winning on reappearance at Cartmel (2¾m) last month. Up 4 lb and likely player if in similar form on second start back from absence.

Irish point winner who has gone backwards since a creditable handicap debut at Musselburgh last December, faring little better following a breathing operation here (2m) last time. Derek Fox back aboard following 10 weeks off and at least worth a go over this trip given her pointing background.

Inexpensive maiden pointer. Well held at long odds in maiden/novice events, only showing a touch more than previously on qualifying run here latest (2½m). Hard to be confident she'll make more impact switched to a handicap/longer trip.

Made a successful chasing debut on testing ground here October. Has gone the wrong way since and has plenty to prove back hurdling.

Again showed little on qualifying run (following a breathing operation) over 2m here in early-July. Will need to improve dramatically for the significantly longer trip/switch to handicap company.