Pertemps Network EMEA Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:44 | Winning time: 4m 8.65s

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Selected odds by:

Bucephalus^t³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Harriet Tucker⁽⁷⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 123| D

11/5

Likeable sort (has performed well at this venue) often front-runs, did so to great effect when gamely landing an 11-runner handicap hurdle at Newbury (16.3f, good to soft) 38 days ago, having raced enthusiastically. 7 lb rise makes life tougher but should give another good account of himself.

Form: 12-2F21

In The Air⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: C Gethings| T: A Ralph| OR: 122| D

9/1

Capable sort on his day and got back to something like his best for switch to Nicky Henderson last season (landed a double in October), but below form on final start for that yard on Boxing Day. Likely has a bit to find dropping back in trip on stable debut.

Form: 411626

Royal Way^t⁵²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: N F Houlihan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 119| D

15/2

Landed a hat-trick in 2m Ascot handicap in March last year but has lost his way this season, never travelling with any fluency when pulled up at Fakenham 52 days ago. Needs to bounce back on return from short break, in a race where others appear to have stronger claims.

Form: 11-404P

Zambezi Fix¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: Sean Houlihan| T: B J Llewellyn| OR: 116| CD

9/4

Tends to save his best for this track, usually ridden patiently and likes a good pace to aim at, which he hasn't had in recent runs (not disgraced when fourth of 9 at Warwick two weeks ago). Now 5 lb lower than when winning here in April 2024 and makes appeal with race likely to be run to suit.

Form: 643464

Got Grey¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: C J Todd| T: D Skelton| OR: 115| D

22/1

Improved for joining excellent yard, winning 2m handicaps at Stratford and Bangor on summer ground last year. Well below form on comeback (Warwick, 16f, soft) after 3 months off following wind surgery and he may need better ground to be seen to best effect.

Form: 112645

Mostly Sunny¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Tristan Durrell⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 115| D

20/1

A 3-time winner on the Flat who enjoyed a productive spell for this yard last season, winning twice and hitting the frame in the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen. Yet to hit those heights this season, well-held on return from 4-months off at Taunton 18 days ago, although he should strip fitter here.

Form: 124920

Sao Carlos^t¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 111| BF| D

7/2

Workmanlike winner of 2m maiden hurdle at Wetherby (heavy) last season, shaping as though best suited by a test of stamina at this trip. Not seen to best effect on latest start after wind surgery (faded to finish third despite enjoying run of the race) but should enjoy this more galloping track.

Form: 4147-53

Forecasts

Bucephalus (11/5), Zambezi Fix (9/4), Sao Carlos (7/2), Royal Way (15/2), In The Air (9/1), Mostly Sunny (20/1), Got Grey (22/1)

There should be enough pace on to see hold-up performer and three-time course winner ZAMBEZI FIX run to better effect, and he might be able to capitalise on his falling handicap mark. The game, front-running Bucephalus arrives in great heart and can run well again despite a 7 lb hike for his latest success, while Sao Carlos should be more at home back on a galloping track.