Janet Denning Fifehead Farms Memorial Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 17:12 | Winning time: 3m 56.28s

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Selected odds by:

Birds Of Prey^p,t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Miss Olive Nicholls⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 114| D

3/1

Below par initially since returning from a lengthy absence in December, but recent efforts more like it, hitting the crossbar on two of his last three starts, including here (21.6f, soft) last month. Drop back in trip may help and he merits respect.

Form: 7542-32

Samba Dancer²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Fern O'Brien⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 114

10/1

Progressed well over hurdles last year, completing the hat-trick at Cheltenham (16.4f) in October. Decent third off 2 lb higher on return at Warwick and claims back in this sphere following an unsuccessful attempt over fences last time.

Form: 1110-34

Mascat¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr George Hiscock⁽⁷⁾| T: J Tizzard| OR: 112

5/4

Useful Flat performer and perfect start over hurdles when landing a Wincanton maiden in October. Below par on handicap debut in this sphere in January, but subsequently placed twice on the level and he's a big player here.

Form: 138-

Dinsdale^p,t⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Mr J J Murphy-Knight⁽⁷⁾| T: M Scudamore| OR: 106| D

22/1

Proved that he retains most of his ability after a pipe-opener on the Flat when fourth at Newcastle in November. However, well below par both in this sphere and on the level since.

Form: 22/47-76

Jakamani⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Miss L Bradstock⁽⁷⁾| T: M Bradstock| OR: 105

14/1

Off the mark in decisive fashion in 19f Fontwell handicap hurdle in September, but questions to answer following his reappearance effort at Southwell where he went wrong and was pulled up.

Form: 7/7215-P

Ayr Of Elegance^b²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Beau Morgan⁽⁵⁾| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 98| CD

17/2

Hit the target twice in 2021, including over this C&D last June. Understandably looked in need of the run following a 10-month absence when third at Southwell and possibilities here off a 2 lb lower mark and with usual blinkers refitted.

Form: 01/314-3

Applesandpierres^b²⁰

Age: 14| Weight: 10-6| J: Miss Roisin Leech⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 92| D

11/2

Veteran who was placed twice in Leicester handicaps off higher marks than this earlier in the year. Creditable third in a selling handicap at Cartmel (17.2f, soft) last time, too, and he's certainly not without hope.

Form: 33744-3

Non-Runners

Humaniste²⁰

Weight: 12-0| Age: 7

T: J Tickle J: Pte V Webster

Forecasts

Mascat (5/4), Birds Of Prey (3/1), Applesandpierres (11/2), Ayr Of Elegance (17/2), Samba Dancer (10/1), Jakamani (14/1), Dinsdale (22/1), Humaniste (125/1)

Paul Nicholls saddled the winner of this race in 2021 and can repeat the does with BIRDS OF PREY, who pulled nicely clear of the rest when chasing home a progressive type here last month and this drop back in trip looks a good move. Mascat was disappointing on his latest start in this sphere, but he has since proven his well-being on the Flat and is feared off a potentially handy mark, while Samba Dancer is third choice ahead of Ayr of Elegance.