Final Fence Open 30th November Handicap Hurdle

3YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 4f 116y | 7 Runners | Turf

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Chad Bament⁽⁵⁾| T: A Irvine| OR: 110

Making second start for current yard, capitalised on a much reduced mark at Kempton (25f) in November last year. Wasn't in the same form next 3 starts but went close in 4-runner contest over this C&D in May. Task is now to pick up where he left off.

Form: 41765-2

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

The Boss Bear²¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: James Owen| OR: 109| CD

Looked a nice prospect when following up bumper success on hurdling debut in maiden over this C&D in December. Well below that level in a trio of handicaps, leaving Gary & Josh Moore after final outing, but he looks interesting starting out for new yard.

Form: 112P88-

Calme Olympien^t²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: David Noonan| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 108

Fairly useful hurdler in France who made a successful stable debut in 3-runner maiden at Ffos Las on last season's reappearance. Similar form in handicaps without winning since, returning from 6 months off when fourth of 15 at Chepstow 24 days ago. Enters calculations.

Form: 3/1453-4

Kandor^t¹⁶⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr Daniel Williams⁽⁷⁾| T: Nick Scholfield| OR: 107| BF

Fair winning hurdler and similar form in chases, leaving Lucinda Russell after his sole outing under Rules last season. Went on to win 2 starts in points, before meeting trouble when fourth of 7 in hunter chase at Huntingdon in May. Back hurdling on first run since leaving M. Gill.

Form: 31221-4

Keno Black^h²²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: C O'Farrell| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 107

Fitted with a hood, left first 3 runs in maiden hurdles behind when justifying support at Lingfield (2m) in February. Fell at the fourth making handicap debut at Wetherby (21f) next time. Could still have more to offer, though has 7-month absence to overcome.

Form: 3/6091F-

Low Expectations²¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Tom Cannon| T: N J Gifford| OR: 102| CWS

Showed improved form to begin last season, completing a hat-trick with success at this course (2m) in December. However, he failed to see his races out on final 3 starts of the campaign, tried over 3m when last seen in March. Returns having had a breathing operation.

Form: 111487-

Coastal Command⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 102

Encouraging third in a Worcester bumper and novice hurdle at Uttoxeter on first 2 starts. Hasn't progressed in 2 subsequent outings, returning from 9 months off when third of 5 in maiden at Fontwell in September, but he's in good hands as he makes handicap debut.

Form: 338-3

Forecasts

Everyonesgame (3/1), Coastal Command (10/3), Keno Black (9/2), Calme Olympien (5/1), The Boss Bear (7/1), Kandor (7/1), Low Expectations (12/1)

After a promising start to his career, THE BOSS BEAR's progress stalled in handicaps last season but he's since joined a yard which has a good record with new recruits. He could well revive and is the pick to get back to winning ways, though Coastal Command commands respect as he goes handicapping, with Calme Olympien also in the mix.