carpetgallop.co.uk Handicap Hurdle

Improved in cheekpieces this year, making amends for a near miss at Market Rasen (traded 1.01 in running) with a decisive win here (2m) in June. Wasn't disgraced when beaten 8¼ lengths off this mark at Cartmel (2¾m) the following month. Entitled to be more competitive returned to calmer waters.

Sixteen runs since last win in 2024. Looked as good as ever when placing in back-to-back C&D events in May, including when chasing home upwardly mobile Perseus Way. Ran flat here the following month and ought to have benefited from a break.

On the up for capable yard when winning a pair of 3m handicaps over the winter. Looked back in form when beaten 14½ lengths in first-time cheekpieces (now discarded) at Newcastle in March. Tongue strap back on for return (mixed results previously) and has been better for a run in previous seasons.

Underlined a positive start over hurdles when runner-up in a course maiden last November. Allowed to stride on/proved a different proposition when readily capitalising on a reduced mark over C&D on reappearance. Capable of another bold bid off 6 lb higher, even with more pace in the race this time.

Front runner who landed handicaps at Musselburgh/Newcastle in 2024/25 season. Seemed to show his first form of the year in either code when beaten 3¼ lengths in a steadily-run race at Kelso last time, his finishing effort not inspiring confidence of a full revival here.

Bumped into subsequent Grade 2 bumper winner on debut here last November. Likely to have gone close when falling on hurdling debut the following month. Back on the up with solid in-frame efforts in Bangor handicaps end of last season. Makes plenty of appeal for yard with 3 wins from 8 runners here.

Isn't badly bred and showed first form when beaten 10 lengths over C&D (heavy) on qualifying run in March, outpaced before rallying home turn. Opening mark demands more again, though Brian Hughes (24% strike rate for yard) and first-time tongue strap both possible catalysts for improvement.

Lightly-raced 5-y-o who placed all 3 bumper starts. Claimed out of Twiston-Davies yard after being turned over at Ludlow second time up over hurdles in December. Pitched into a better handicap than needed on return, and he'll need to have improved for a break/switch of stables.

Three-time winner who clearly hasn't been the easiest to train. Showed ability remains following further 7 weeks off when 2¾-length second in first-time cheekpieces over 2m here latest. Step back up in trip looks the way to go and has lively each-way claims in a better race.