EWGA Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 2 | 3m 1f 83y | 7 Runners | Turf

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Tudor| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 125

Likeable mare who ran a personal best in a first-time visor when close third at Haydock in May. Had plenty go wrong for her over C&D later that month and confirmed she's as good as ever with a decisive success on the Flat at Nottingham in mid-July. Fancied to go well back hurdling.

Form: 3441-34

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Shallow River^p³⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 125| D

6/1

Strong-staying veteran who won on second start for Olly Murphy at Carlisle (25f, soft) in 2024. Has shown ability remains since returning from a significant absence and could be competitive if this becomes a test of stamina.

Form: 781/635

Divilabother^t1³⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Reed| T: T Davidson| OR: 124| BF| C

11/4

Has been a revelation for current yard. Completed a double here (2¾m) in late-June before readily landing a hat-trick at Uttoxeter. Still thriving when 1¾ lengths second at Uttoxeter (23f) just 2 days on, and the addition of a first-time tongue strap hardly looks a negative here.

Form: 361112

Imperial Merlin^p¹⁶⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J & S Quinn| OR: 123

5/1

Creditable fifth in the 2024 Cumbria Cup on sole previous start here. Last seen recording a career-best success in refitted cheekpieces at Wetherby in March. He's more than capable fresh, though has yet to win off a mark this high.

Form: 2745P1-

Kayf Dancer¹⁰⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: James Bowen| T: M Bowen| OR: 121WS

4/1

Back on the up when doubling his Exeter/career tally in March (23f). Below par final start for Philip Hobbs & Johnson White in May. Interesting pickup (£22,000) for a very capable yard, and he may well get back on track following a break/breathing operation.

Form: 1/4081-6

Imperial Data^p,t⁷⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: R P McLernon| T: R Menzies| OR: 118| CD

10/1

Completed a course double under the returning Richie McLernon in this corresponding event 12 months ago. Returns 11 weeks on from a laboured effort (tailed off when fell) at Hexham (2½m), however, he may well have been laid out for this (now 6 lb lower than last year's win).

Form: 134-P8F

Belles Benefit^b⁴⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 10-9| J: Harry Bannister| T: B I Case| OR: 106| C| D

11/2

Veteran who capitalised on a reduced mark when making a convincing winning return over 2¾m here. Travelled as well as any when 2½ lengths third to Caughtinyourtrance (entered in race 4) subsequently and looks in the form of her life for this step up in grade/trip (has won over 25f on soft).

Form: 1568-13

Forecasts

Divilabother (2/1), Al Sayah (4/1), Imperial Merlin (4/1), Belles Benefit (5/1), Shallow River (8/1), Kayf Dancer (12/1), Imperial Data (14/1)

A tight handicap that could go the way of AL SAYAH, who finished third in a solid handicap at Haydock earlier in the year and looked as good as ever when winning on the Flat last time. The return of Richie McLernon suggests a revival could be in the offing for Imperial Data, and he's feared most off 6 lb lower than when successful in this race last year.