Race Conditions & Tactical Setup: A 0–105 staying handicap hurdle for 4yo+. The going is officially good (good to firm in places), favouring sound surface performers. The declared field of 11 face a likely strong pace, according to Timeform’s pace forecast, which may disadvantage forward-goers such as Red Panda, while playing into the hands of stalkers like Hammer Dan, who stays well and can be ridden patiently.

This is a hurdles race, so draw angles do not apply.


—

Main Contenders:

Hammer Dan (112, David Pipe) – Score: 8/10 Returned from a long layoff with a narrow second at Newton Abbot (26.5f), finishing strongly and conceding the winner first run. His adjusted rating of 112 tops this field. Pipe’s runners are often primed second run back after a break, and he’s proven over trip, ground and style of race. Tongue tie retained, and he’s tactically versatile. Progressive and well-treated.

Regal And Royal (110, Jennie Candlish) – Score: 7.5/10 Consistent performer with back-to-back wins at Bangor last season. Ran well in cheekpieces when last seen and may improve again over further. Stays 2½m but stamina beyond that is unproven. Stable’s runners can go well fresh. Reliable but slight stamina query.

Let Me Go Boys (107, Jonjo O’Neill) – Score: 7/10 Showed best yet last time when third over 23.3f and is expected to improve for this longer trip. Lightly raced with potential for progress off 103. First-time in this grade but worth monitoring for market moves. Promising profile.

Tropical Speed (110, Olly Murphy) – Score: 7/10 Won decisively at Stratford in March but was laboured on chase debut last time. Back over hurdles now, and Murphy is 21% with stayers and in-form. Has placed off this mark. Form fluctuates but has proven ability.

Belles Benefit (108, Ben Case) – Score: 6.5/10 Dual mares’ handicap winner last season. Fourth in a competitive Doncaster mares’ event when last seen 201 days ago. Record fresh is fair. Back in mixed company and not obviously progressive, but stays well and capable. Reliable but needs to prove well-being.


—

Interesting Outsiders:

Red Panda (111, Charlie Longsdon) – Score: 6/10 Placed on last two starts over shorter and likely to stay. Slight concern that strong pace won’t help her usual front-running style, and she’s vulnerable to closers late. Needs a soft lead to be at her best.

Findthetime (?, Stuart Coltherd) – Score: 5.5/10 Well handicapped on old chase form but has run poorly since returning to hurdles. Potential for revival exists but fitness, form and recent bleeding issue all concerns.

Vorderman (110, Roger Teal) – Score: 5/10 Won a juvenile hurdle last season but has failed to complete on last two starts. Suspect jumper and stamina not proven beyond 21f. Risky but not devoid of ability.


—

Non-Runners & Notes:

Getuptheyard (NR): Would’ve had claims based on recent seconds.

Clondaw Royale and Captain’s Pick are both out of form.

No prior winning trainers in this contest, so no relevant trends apply. Keep an eye on market signals, particularly for Hammer Dan, who shaped like one primed to peak now.



—

Each-Way Consideration: With 11 runners, EW betting is viable. Tropical Speed and Let Me Go Boys hold decent appeal on that front, especially given trainer stats and progressive profiles.


—

Private Tissue Estimate:

Hammer Dan – 5/2

Regal And Royal – 4/1

Let Me Go Boys – 5/1

Tropical Speed – 6/1

Belles Benefit – 10/1

Red Panda – 12/1

Clondaw Royale – 20/1

Findthetime – 25/1

Vorderman – 25/1

Captain’s Pick – 40/1



—

Summary: This race could set up for a closer, given a strong pace and several pace pressers. Hammer Dan looks the strongest candidate on adjusted ratings, return effort, and suitability to conditions. Let Me Go Boys is a potential improver stepping up in trip, and Tropical Speed may go well again with Sean Bowen up for an in-form yard.


—

Smart Play: Win – Hammer Dan Each-Way – Let Me Go Boys (if 8+ runners remain)

Both bring recent strong efforts and align well with the race setup and form trends.