Nine runners go to post for this handicap at Plumpton over the extended two miles and one furlong. Read on for our expert betting tips and runner by runner preview.
IN SUMMARY: With Chris Gordon having beaten a couple of these in the past he will know where he stands with Blake Dean who ran well enough for Gordon Elliott last year. That being said Gary Moore does well with his runners here and saddles two in the shape of Ilewindelilah and SUDDEN WISH. The former has been off the track for a long time and if able to recapture her old form could trouble the selection but the latter’s earlier win at Stratford looks the best form on offer and having re-joined Gary Moore’s yard, gets the vote in this line-up. Sir Hubert could run into a place on earlier C&D form at the likely forecast odds.
1 Blake Dean – Has been on the go all summer having had 9 races under the tutelage of Gordon Elliott yielding 2 wins over 2m4f at Perth. Showed promise over fences the last twice and if translating his earlier hurdles form for his new trainer will come into the reckoning here. Up 7lb from the mark of his last win over hurdles in September.
2 Sudden Wish – Previously trained by Gary Moore last year when winning a seller at Stratford over 2m easily by 21 lengths and has changed hands a couple of times since including on the level for Michael Attwater before re-joining his current yard. Is on a handy enough mark on her return to hurdling after a short break and should be able to make her presence felt in this line-up.
3 Bohernagore – Makes his handicap debut today but has previously struggled in 3 starts so far for this yard. Finished a modest 2nd in a Tramore bumper last year and hard to envisage having an impact here.
4 Sir Hubert – Showed a bit of promise in a couple of Novice Hurdles and then finished 3rd in a Handicap Hurdle (all Plumpton) earlier in the year. Those were all on much softer ground than today’s forecast ground and this lightly raced sort is of strong each-way interest on his reappearance especially given as his jockey is in such fine form and for a trainer who likes a winner here.
5 Ilewindelilah – Off the track for a long time (not seen since last year) but had previously won a mares Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter back in June 2014 easily accounting for her 9 rivals by 7 lengths. That was over 2 years ago and though whilst she has clearly had her problems, has the ability to win this if able to return to her earlier form with her stable in flying form. Market should guide on her chances.
6 Sea The Springs – Showed modest form when trained by Dan Skelton with a 3rd in an 8 runner affair at Fakenham over further. Beaten over 50 lengths that day he was held on his first start for his new yard last month and will find matters just as tough today.
7 Ding Ding – 3 ¾ lengths 3rd behind Hallingham from the Chris Gordon yard back here in May off 3lb lower. Unable to improve on that next time at Fontwell and showed no better form on the flat in June finishing 8th of 13 that day. Could have a say if returning to earlier hurdling form and trainer likes bringing her horses here.
8 Jappeloup – Presenting gelding who has shown only modest form so far in Irish Handicap Hurdles this year and is still a maiden with 13 runs behind him. Hard to fancy but jockey still waiting to reach his tally of landmark winners.
9 Up Four It – Finished 3rd in this race a year ago and has had a muddling time of it at this track in 4 starts this year so far finishing well behind on each occasion. First start in 6 months and others look more persuasive.