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Race Summary

A traditionally competitive renewal of the Swinton Handicap Hurdle, with a strong pace forecast and a wide-open field. This Premier Handicap often suits those ridden patiently off the pace, with a preference for younger, progressive types. Previous editions have gone to horses rated in the 120s and low 130s who were still open to improvement.

Notable recent winners include:

• Pickanumber (2024, OR 134, 22/1)
• Black Poppy (2023, OR 125, 10/1)
• N’Golo (2022, OR 129, 28/1)
• Copperless (2021, OR 130, 9/2f)

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Strongest Contenders

Dance And Glance (Timeform Rating: 147)

Trainer: Anthony Honeyball | Jockey: Harry Cobden | Days off: 16
Unexposed 5yo who has progressed steadily in novice company. Made an eye-catching handicap debut when second to Bareback Jack at Bangor, having been held up in a race not run to suit. Should improve on that with a more suitable pace scenario here. Remains with handicap scope off OR 116.

Givemefive (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 142)

Trainer: Harry Derham | Jockey: Paul O’Brien | Days off: 21
In-form 5yo who made all in a C&D handicap last time out. Has won his last two starts impressively, including a seven-length success at Newcastle in March. Timeform marks him out as reliable and progressive, though this pace scenario and larger field present a fresh test. Derham remains in good form.

Anyharminasking (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 144)

Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill | Jockey: Richie McLernon | Days off: 35
Returned to form when landing a strongly backed win at Newcastle last time. May have more to offer off this revised mark (OR 128), particularly if the ground doesn’t dry out too much. His last win came off a strong pace, so race shape could suit again. Market should guide confidence regarding temperament.

Our Champ (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 145)

Trainer: Chris Gordon | Jockey: Freddie Gordon (3) | Days off: 20
Tough and reliable, placed in competitive handicaps this season including behind Absurde at Plumpton. Winner at Ascot in November and has run consistently since. Tongue tie retained, and the 3lb claim keeps him competitively weighted.

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Main Dangers

Ooh Betty (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 144)

Trainer: Ben Clarke | Jockey: Rex Dingle | Days off: 28
Caught the eye when third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, staying on late in a fast-run race. That form ties in well with several rivals here. Return to 2½m may suit ideally, but current form is solid and she remains off a workable mark (OR 133).

Helnwein (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 142)

Trainer: Alan King | Jockey: Gavin Sheehan | Days off: 15
Exhibited consistent placed efforts and finished second to Glory And Fortune at Chepstow last time. Proven around 2m and has been knocking on the door in decent contests. Each-way chance with a clear run.

Tapley (Timeform Rating: 146)

Trainer: Suzy Smith | Jockey: Sean Bowen | Days off: 18
Consistently rated highly by Timeform but has been outpaced or outbattled in several recent starts. Led or tracked pace in recent runs and may be vulnerable late if they go hard again.

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Interesting Outsiders

Glory And Fortune (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 143)

Trainer: Tom Lacey | Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies | Days off: 15
A former Graded winner now on a reduced mark. Got back on track with a win at Chepstow and can be competitive again. Lacey has a strong record when running a sole horse at a meeting.

Black Hawk Eagle (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 144)

Trainer: Kerry Lee | Jockey: Richard Patrick | Days off: 18
Placed at Hereford behind Goblet of Fire. Often runs to a similar level but may be short of the extra turn of foot needed in deeper handicaps. Still, his rating puts him within touching distance.

Bareback Jack (IRE) (Timeform Rating: 143+)

Trainer: Donald McCain | Jockey: Theo Gillard | Days off: 16
Lightly raced for a 9yo and returned from a long absence to win a Bangor handicap. Rating suggests more might come, though his fragility and long layoff history add risk. Monitor market for confidence.

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Trainers with Previous Success

• Evan Williams (runs Dr T J Eckleburg) has won the Swinton three times in the past decade.
• Alan King, Kerry Lee, and Tom Lacey have all had strong records with hurdle handicappers but not specifically in this race.

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Trends and Key Stats

• 7 of last 10 winners were aged 5–7.
• 8 of last 10 winners rated 134 or lower.
• Double-digit SP winners common – 6 of last 10 at 10/1+.
• Hold-up types tend to be suited when pace is strong – forecast here is for a solid gallop.

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Verdict

Dance And Glance appears to be a well-handicapped improver and shaped very well on his first start in a big-field handicap. Givemefive and Anyharminasking are both in form and hold solid claims, while Our Champ and Ooh Betty bring consistency and race-fitness to the table.

Each-Way Shortlist (16 runners declared):

• Dance And Glance
• Anyharminasking
• Ooh Betty
• Our Champ

Keep a close watch on the market for any support or drift on horses like Bareback Jack and Dr T J Eckleburg, both of whom return within 60 days but have some question marks around consistency or setup.