Maureen Lacey Belated 80th Birthday Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:35 | Winning time: 6m 20.8s

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Selected odds by:

Gamain^b³¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Chester Williams⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 106| D

15/2

Capitalised on a drop in the weights and then found a weak race when scoring back-to-back wins at Newton Abbot earlier in the year. Creditable third over fences last time (returning from two modest hurdles starts); needs to find more off this mark.

Form:

Ulysses^p,t²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 104| BF

4/7

Typical improver for the stable having been given a wind op prior to his first run for them (romped home by 15L). Penalised when failing to follow up down in trip (2m3f), quick return may have jeopardised chance; worth another chance off this mark.

Form:

Prophets Prayer³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 102

4/1

Bumper winner who has proved that she has ability over hurdles; has been slightly frustrating in this sphere. Hampered early on last time (pulled up, run best ignored); she has claims on earlier form off this mark.

Form:

Beautiful People^t²⁵⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: R T Phillips| OR: 99| CD

13/2

Second of two handicap hurdle wins last year came over C&D but only seen once since that victory (pulled up at Taunton). 6lb above her last winning mark and she faces three race-fit rivals; not ruled out but needs to be properly tuned up.

Form:

Forecasts

Ulysses (4/7), Prophets Prayer (4/1), Beautiful People (13/2), Gamain (15/2)

Like quite a few Ulysses improved for the switch to the Skelton barn winning straight off the bat after a wind op before failing to follow up at Market Rasen. The quick return could well have been to blame for that defeat but he does have to cope with a 13lb higher mark for his Stratford success and that could leave him vulnerable. PROPHETS PRAYER can be excused her pulled up effort last time with her earlier form entitling her to plenty of respect in this as she bids for her first win. Gamain has little in hand off this mark but he may give best to Beautiful People for the minor place if that one is tuned up after eight months off the course.