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This is a low-grade but competitive handicap hurdle where a likely steady gallop could have a significant bearing on the outcome. Ten runners go to post, many returning from breaks or inconsistent campaigns, and the Timeform ratings and profiles suggest a few credible contenders, while others may require market scrutiny on return.

Leading Contenders

AL SAYAH (Trainer: Neil Mulholland, Jockey: Conor O’Farrell)
Timeform Rating: 108
A progressive mare who looked better than ever on reappearance at Exeter when second to Koukeo, pulling clear of the remainder. She has won twice earlier in the season and is lightly raced for her age. This step back up in trip holds no fears, and she’s one of the few here with consistent recent form. The trainer has a solid record with mares in this grade, and the Timeform “Horse In Focus” flag further underlines her claims.

IRIS DES ISSARDS (FR) (Trainer: Kayley Woollacott, Jockey: Mr Joshua Newman)
Timeform Rating: 111
Returned to form to land a weak conditionals’ event over course and distance last time, and he’s already proven over this trip. Notably, Timeform report that he traded at more than twice his Betfair SP when winning, which could raise questions about confidence behind him that day. He carries top weight but remains feasibly treated off a mark of 104. Handles quicker ground and could go well again if the pace doesn’t expose his quirks.

SUPREME YEATS (IRE) – NR
Was set to return from an absence but has been declared a non-runner.

Main Dangers

CHABADATIKA (FR) (Trainer: Anthony Charlton, Jockey: James Best)
Timeform Rating: 107
This mare won over further at Taunton in the autumn but has shown a rather patchy profile either side of that success. She was well beaten last time in a three-runner contest and has failed to complete in all three of her chase starts, raising questions about temperament. However, she could be suited by the conditions if putting her best foot forward.

DANTON (IRE) (Trainer: Harry Fry, Jockey: Bryan Carver)
Timeform Rating: 113
Interesting on several fronts. He’s lightly raced over hurdles for his age and returns to this sphere after a fair chasing debut and a pulled-up effort at Exeter last time. He’s had a wind op and now wears a tongue tie again. The pace forecast favours him according to Timeform, and the switch back to hurdles could spark improvement. However, he’s been off for 126 days and should be monitored in the market.

HILLSIN (IRE) (Trainer: Richard Hawker, Jockey: Robert Dunne)
Timeform Rating: 110
Returned from five months off when pulled up at Wincanton, so is entitled to strip fitter here. He won twice in the summer and is versatile trip-wise. A potential player if coming on for that recent run, but he may not be ideally suited by a slow gallop.

Interesting Outsiders

OUTSIDE ADESA (IRE) (Trainer: Kayley Woollacott, Jockey: Sean Houlihan)
Timeform Rating: 105
This ex-French recruit remains something of an unknown quantity. He’s shown little in three British starts, but returns to hurdles after a short break and now races from a reduced mark. Having switched yards and fitted with a hood once more, he could surprise in a weak race. The market will likely be a telling guide.

BENSINI (Trainer: Robbie Llewellyn, Jockey: Charlie Price)
No Timeform Rating (recent form moderate)
Out of form but noted in Smart Stats for his trainer’s strong level-stakes profit when sending a sole runner to a card. That kind of stat often signals intent. Still, Bensini will need to bounce back from several modest efforts to figure seriously.

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Significant Notes and Trends

• Trainer Watch: Neil Mulholland (Al Sayah) has a good record with favourites in handicap hurdles, showing a £56 profit to £1 level stakes. That reflects his strong placing of runners in these lower-grade contests.
• Timeform Comments: The predicted slow pace is flagged as a positive for Danton, but a negative for Hillsin, who tends to need a stronger gallop.
• Market Advice: Horses returning from breaks of 60+ days include Danton, Chabadatika, Hillsin, Fine By Her, and Saucats. Any significant market support or late drift should be noted closely.
• First-Time Gear/Tactics: Danton returns to hurdles with headgear reapplied; Outside Adesa is back in a hood after poor recent efforts.

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Summary
Al Sayah looks the most solid proposition given her recent form, trainer trends, and ability to settle and travel well in a slowly run race. Iris des Issards is respected but may be shorter in the market than his profile justifies. Danton appeals as a potential improver back over hurdles with a favourable race shape, though support in the market would add confidence. Chabadatika and Outside Adesa could have place claims at bigger odds if bouncing back, with the latter particularly worth tracking for signs of a revival.