Vickers.Bet Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 4m 43.72s

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Selected odds by:

Aucunrisque¹⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Freddie Gordon⁽⁷⁾| T: C Gordon| OR: 145

9/2

Smart sort who produced a valiant front-running performance to land the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February. Only one creditable effort subsequently but likely to be ready to go after 147 days off.

Form: 22103-0

Thirtyfourstitches³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-1| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 132| C

4/1

Won twice at Plumpton last season before scoring on his seasonal return at Newton Abbot (21.6f, good to soft) last month. Ran at least as well when runner-up both subsequent starts and another bold showing is on the cards.

Form: 723-122

Bread And Butter^t⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Lewis Stones⁽³⁾| T: O Murphy| OR: 127

25/1

Ran a cracker returned from 4 months off/on debut for this yard when second in 25-runner Punchestown handicap hurdle (19.8f) in April. Disappointing on both subsequent starts (over fences last time) and has plenty to prove all of a sudden.

Form: 5662-0P

Soul Icon^t¹⁶²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: Kieran Burke| OR: 125| C| D

9/2

Highly progressive last season, winning 7 handicaps in total. Form understandably tailed off but may be able to get back on the up fresh from 5 months off. Considered.

Form: 1111P7-

Fifty Ball^p¹⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-5| J: N F Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: G & J Moore| OR: 122| D

8/1

On a handy mark and returned to form when second at this course 142 days ago, travelling smoothly but not finding as much as the winner. Drop in trip could help and he's a definite player.

Form: 005P-52

Mr Freedom^p⁸⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: M Goldstein| T: Miss S West| OR: 120| C

6/4

Had a busy and fruitful campaign last season and has carried on the good work on the Flat since. Likeable type who should feature if the pace is solid.

Form: 521354-

Forecasts

Mr Freedom (6/4), Thirtyfourstitches (4/1), Soul Icon (9/2), Aucunrisque (9/2), Fifty Ball (8/1), Bread And Butter (25/1)

MR FREEDOM is a highly likeable type who enjoyed plenty of success last season and, with the prospect of a solid gallop, he's capable of making a successful return to this sphere. Fifty Ball and Thirtyfourstitches are likely dangers, although the latter could face competition for the lead.