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Overview

A 3-mile handicap chase featuring a mix of exposed chasers, recent winners, and potential improvers returning from breaks. Conditions are officially Good (Good to Soft in places), which should suit most. The pace is forecast to be even, which may slightly favour prominent racers over habitual hold-up types.

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Strongest Contenders

Not Sure (IRE)

• TFR: 118 | OR: 107
• Back on song when second to the progressive Tanganyika at Carlisle in March (0-110 company). Stays well (29f winner), and goes on soft ground. A repeat of that effort gives him leading claims off the same mark. Timeform notes he traded well below BSP in-running, suggesting support is sustained through the race.

Hostile Hotelier (IRE)

• TFR: 113 | OR: 108
• Has been holding form well over fences, running to a consistent level and narrowly denied at Sedgefield last time. Winner over hurdles at Catterick earlier in the year. Stays well and typically races prominently. Jennie Candlish has trained multiple Hexham winners and her runners often go well at this track.

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Main Dangers

Grand Voyage (FR)

• TFR: 114 | OR: 101
• Ended a losing run at Ayr last time out and remains well handicapped on old hurdles form. Form has a slightly patchy profile but looks in better heart lately. Won over slightly shorter, though has shaped as if 3m should suit.

Backbyjet (IRE)

• TFR: 117 | OR: 103
• Course winner (3x at Hexham) who might have needed the run after a break when well beaten over shorter last time. Trip back up to 3m is a big plus, and a return to this track may spark improvement. Timeform pace hint suggests the race setup should favour him.

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Interesting Outsiders

Don Brocco

• TFR: 113 | OR: 87
• Has been holding his form well this year, including a win at Carlisle. Placed here last time and is proven over marathon trips. Stays well and acts on most ground. Not totally ruled out from a low mark, especially with 4m stamina in hand.

River Of Joy

• TFR: — | OR: 100 (chase debut)
• Interesting profile: won novice hurdles in 2023 and made a pleasing return to action from 20 months off in a Ffos Las mares handicap hurdle. Now goes chasing for the first time, and although unproven over this far, pedigree (Universal x Definite Article mare) gives hope. Market check advised.

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Timeform and Statistical Notes

• Top TF Adjusted Ratings: Not Sure (118), Backbyjet (117), Grand Voyage (114), Hostile Hotelier (113), Don Brocco (113)
• Trainer Form Notables:
  • Jennie Candlish (Hostile Hotelier) – strong course record.
  • Stuart Coltherd (Grand Voyage) – winners with chasers here before.
  • Mel Rowley (Martalmix’Jac) – +£28.82 to £1 stake in chases with sole runners on card.

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Trends & Race History Notes

• Past 5 winners include several who carried less than 11st, including Lights Are Green (10-3), Prince Dundee (11-2), and Apache Pilot (10-2).
• Horses that race prominently or lead have a good record in this event.
• Hexham often suits repeat course winners, and Backbyjet has a strong record at this venue.
• Trainers like George Bewley and Lucinda Russell have won this race in recent years.

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Each-Way Angles (8 Runners)

• Don Brocco (TFR 113, stays well, recent placed effort, well-handicapped) fits the profile for each-way support.
• Grand Voyage if holding recent form, represents good value from a workable mark with recent win credibility.

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Market Watch

• River Of Joy (34 days off): Chasing debut after a long layoff; market support would be notable.
• Azof Des Mottes (189 days off): Has ability but returns from a break – drifting would temper expectations.
• Martalmix’Jac (27 days off): Third last time, but trainer’s single-runner stat is notable for possible value if supported.