Winner five times for previous yard but form tailed off in late 2016 and held in five starts for current yard. Better effort when 13L fourth of six last time but more needed despite a 5lb drop in the weights.
Beaten 2¼L when finishing third of 10 over an extended 3m2f at Stratford (good-to-soft) last month. Raced off a 3lb lower mark on that occasion and likely to run well again here.
Finished runner-up on each of his last two starts including at Carmel over 2m1f on good ground last time out. Tackles this trip for the first time today and interesting if handling the step up (well held over 2m4f in the past).
Close third of five over 2m4f at Wincanton (good-to-firm) in April but well held at Towcester last time and more needed despite a 3lb drop in the ratings.
Successful twice from 26 starts but last win came back in November 2015. Well beaten on return to action at Southwell last month when wearing a tongue tie (retained) for the first time and races from out of the handicap today.
Non-Runners
4
Sir Dylan8
Weight: 11-6| Age: 8
T: P Gundry J: David Noonan
NR
Forecasts
Restraint of Trade (15/8), Horace Hazel (2/1), King's Song (9/2), Call The Cops (13/2), Baraymi (8/1), Sir Dylan (8/1)
HORACE HAZEL has run well the last twice and can register his fifth career win by taking this handicap hurdle. The selection shouldn't be too inconvenienced by the drop back in trip and he can get the better of Restraint Of Trade who steps up in trip here while top weight Call The Cops had some useful form off higher marks for his previous yard and can claim third.