Race Overview

This is the Back British Farming Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, a Class 5 contest run over a staying distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong. A field of nine runners will tackle 14 hurdles on ground described as Good. This race is a real test of stamina, and proven form over a long trip will be a significant advantage.

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Runner-by-Runner Analysis

Here’s a breakdown of each horse’s chances:

• 1. Kottayam (Odds: 18/1) Showed some promise when second in a maiden hurdle but was pulled up on her handicap debut last time. She steps up significantly in trip, which is a big unknown, and her recent form is a major concern.
• 2. Chelsea Annie (Odds: 50/1) A shock 66/1 winner of a 2-mile novice hurdle in June, but she has failed to complete or been well beaten in three runs since. She is not bred for this marathon distance and looks to have no chance.
• 3. Hurst Hill (Odds: 7/2) The deserved favourite. She has been a model of consistency recently, winning over 2m5f in July and finishing a game runner-up on her last two starts over 3m2f and 2m6f. She is in excellent form, proven at the trip, and is the one they all have to beat.
• 4. Princesse Milania (Odds: 5/1) An intriguing contender. She won an Irish point-to-point, which strongly suggests this step up in trip will suit her. She was disappointing on her handicap debut but has since had a wind operation. The booking of champion jockey Sean Bowen for the in-form Olly Murphy stable (27% strike rate in the last 14 days) is a massive positive. She could be a different proposition today.
• 5. Eliza Dolittle (Odds: 7/2) A course specialist, having won twice at Plumpton over a slightly shorter distance. She has been placed over this trip before and should be much sharper for her reappearance run last month. Her love for the track makes her a serious player.
• 6. Luna Run (Odds: 11/2) Ran a decent race over this course and distance last month but is generally inconsistent. Her only career win came in a three-runner race, and she seems to find winning difficult. Others are more reliable.
• 7. Stamina Chope (Odds: 9/2) The winner of this very race in 2023. She proved she is still competitive off her current mark with a solid fourth-place finish over course and distance last month, beaten only two lengths. She is a tough and genuine mare who must be respected.
• 8. Glorious Mist (Odds: 20/1) Finished a shock second at 80/1 back in June 2024, but her form since has been extremely poor. She cannot be recommended.
• 9. Porridge (Odds: 66/1) A maiden returning from a 302-day absence and is running from 17lb out of the handicap, meaning she is carrying much more weight than she should be. She has no realistic chance.

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Conclusion and Tip

While Hurst Hill sets a strong standard based on recent form, the potential for significant improvement from PRINCESSE MILANIA is hard to ignore. She is bred to be a stayer, and the combination of her first run after a wind op and the booking of Sean Bowen could unlock her true potential. The two previous course winners, Eliza Dolittle and Stamina Chope, are tough mares who should also be in the mix.

Selection:

1. 🥇 Princesse Milania
2. 🥈 Hurst Hill
3. 🥉 Stamina Chope