12:50 – On the Quiet @ 5/2
Bumper winner ON THE QUIET has been very consistent without winning over hurdles so far, and she showed her best form to date on her handicap debut at Ffos Las in November. The winner on that occasion had been given a chance by the handicapper, and On The Quiet wasn’t suited by doing too much too soon in the early stages. She pulled clear of the remainder there, though, and is by far the most interesting proposition in this line-up.
13:20 – Le Cameleon @ 11/8
LE CAMELEON hails from a successful family and has done enough in three starts under Rules to think he can win a race like this. He’s preferred to John Betjeman, who sets the standard in receipt of weight but might be found out by a slog in this sphere (had form at up to 7f only on the level). Dagueneau is another to consider.
13:50 – Beaufort West @ 8/11
BEAUFORT WEST remains a maiden over hurdles but this represents a big drop in class for him having contested the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles here last time. Admittedly, he isn’t up to that level yet, but he should find this much easier, strip fitter, and prove a tough nut to crack.
14:25 – Tanrudy @ 15/2
TANRUDY ran his best race yet when third in this headgear for the first time at Fontwell 11 days ago and is worth another go at this trip. He wasn’t on a going day the last time he tried three miles but shapes as though he’ll stay. Ector showed more than previously when runner-up on his second start over fences at Ffos Las last time, while Cold As Ice makes most appeal of the chasing newcomers.
14:55 – Realm Keeper @ 3/1
REALM KEEPER has a substantial absence to overcome but he was a fairly useful performer in when trained in France, scoring twice over fences, and he could well be worth chancing with conditions holding no fears now starting out for a yard that are in form and do well with such types. Nightboattoclyro was quite a taking winner over C&D on his latest start and is feared, ahead of hurdling-debutant Lieutenant Rocco.
15:30 – Duc Kauto @ 5/2
DUC KAUTO has taken very well to fences this season, winning at Wincanton on return before a good second back there next time, and this relatively lightly-raced seven-year-old remains capable of better in this sphere. Est Illic looks on a good mark on handicap debut in this sphere and is next best.
16:00 – Oxwich Bay @ 10/3
OXWICH BAY is an infrequent winner but there is no doubting he caught the eye behind a handicap blot at Market Rasen last month. He could be worth chancing to build on that from what rates a handy mark on the balance of his form. Jaisalmer is also a player if backing up his latest run, whilst The Garrison and Loverboy are also worth a second look.
Betting Summary:
12:50 – On the Quiet @ 5/2
13:20 – Le Cameleon @ 11/8
13:50 – Beaufort West @ 8/11
14:25 – Tanrudy @ 15/2
14:55 – Realm Keeper @ 3/1
15:30 – Duc Kauto @ 5/2
16:00 – Oxwich Bay @ 10/3
