13:30 Kelso

Sunday 8 December 2024

All11:5512:2512:5513:3014:0514:4015:15

Belhaven Black Classic Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 6m 13.98s

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Selected odds by:

City Derby^p²²

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Peter Kavanagh⁽³⁾| T: Lizzie Quinlan| OR: 116

22/1

Completed a Cartmel 4-timer in staying handicaps this summer and emerged with credit in finishing placed at Perth/Aintree subsequently. Not seen to best effect at Wetherby last time, so shouldn't be fully dismissed.

Form: 111324

Young Jack³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Danny McMenamin| T: C Grant| OR: 116

5/2

Successful on second attempt in maiden points and also made his second start over hurdles a winning one at Newcastle (2½m, heavy) in February. Back on track at Carlisle on return and can't be ruled out.

Form: 12139-5

Kingston Bridge¹⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Craig Nichol| T: Ewan Whillans| OR: 114| C

11/1

Back on the up when scoring at Kelso in April and displayed a willing attitude for latest success there in June. Held form subsequently but may need this after 141 days off.

Form: 81-8196

Gaillimh A Stor^t⁶²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Bruce Lynn| T: N W Alexander| OR: 114WS

25/1

Fair novice hurdle winner (at 20.5f) who failed to convince with jumping over fences. Benefited from return to hurdling when third at Haydock 20 months ago but not seen since.

Form: 22F3F3/

Lunar Chief²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Ruth Jefferson| OR: 113| CD

4/1

Won his sole outing in bumpers and left previous hurdling performances behind when opening his account in C&D novice a month ago. Scope for better again, so looks the one to beat.

Form: 1/45-1

Forged Well²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Sean Quinlan| T: M Todhunter| OR: 111| C

2/1

Point recruit who tasted success on hurdles debut at Carlisle (19.3f) last December and was back to winning ways here on reappearance. Extra distance should suit and he's a big player.

Form: 3P26-31

Follow Charlie²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Ben Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: R M Smith| OR: 103

17/2

9/2, good third of 8 in handicap hurdle at Ayr (20.4f, good to soft) 25 days ago. May still have more to offer, so not without hope.

Form: 4146-73

Siberian Star^p,t¹⁸⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 100

22/1

Out of form in Ireland when last seen under Rules two years ago. Has won a point (from eight attempts) since and is worth a market check for new connections.

Form: 522-1U7

Joie More²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: C O'Farrell| T: Mrs J Stephen| OR: 100

40/1

Made the frame in points and has shown promise over hurdles. Latest effort in a Carlisle handicap was underwhelming, however.

Form: P662-58

Gypsey's Secret²³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-5| J: P W Wadge| T: Miss S E Forster| OR: 93

28/1

Got off the mark aged 9 despite being 5 lb out of the handicap at Carlisle (soft) in March. Solid effort next time and can get involved if tuned up back from 7 months off.

Form: P63214-

Non-Runners

Captain Potter¹⁶

Weight: 11-11| Age: 4

T: B Ellison J: Henry Brooke

Kilbrainy²⁵

Weight: 11-5| Age: 8

T: A M Thomson J: Ryan Mania

Forecasts

Forged Well (2/1), Young Jack (5/2), Lunar Chief (4/1), Follow Charlie (17/2), Captain Potter (10/1), Kingston Bridge (11/1), Kilbrainy (12/1), Siberian Star (22/1), City Derby (22/1), Gaillimh A Stor (25/1), Gypsey's Secret (28/1), Joie More (40/1)

LUNAR CHIEF opened his account over hurdles here a month ago and his bumper form gives hope for better still, so he takes preference over fellow last-time-out winner Forged Well. Follow Charlie should also give a good account.