Exeter Racecourse Christmas Parties On Sale Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:25 | Winning time: 5m 19.07s

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Selected odds by:

Broderick^p1²²

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Luke Scott⁽³⁾| T: J Candlish| OR: 112

9/2

Fortunate winner of a Newcastle maiden hurdle (16.9f) in January but good second in novice at Doncaster (19.4f, good) a month later. Let down by his jumping when runner-up at Sedgefield (16.8f) last time, though he could fare better now handicapping with cheekpieces added.

Form: 392122

Espoir Des Forges⁵⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 110

6/1

Promise when placed in pair of 19f Warwick maiden hurdles last spring. However, has gone the wrong way on his last 2 outings, tailed off in novice at Market Rasen (20.6f, good to soft) in February. Needs to get back on track as he makes handicap debut.

Form: P3-273

Koukeo²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 105

4/1

Runner-up to 2 next-time-out winners on his qualifying runs and ran to a similar level when sixth of 15 on handicap debut at Musselburgh (15.6f, good to soft) in February. However, ran poorly at Ayr (20.4f, heavy) last time, so bounce back now called for.

Form: 0-2226P

Super Saint^p²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 105

5/2

Didn't offer much first 2 starts over hurdles, but better signs when third at Taunton in February and built on that effort when winning 5-runner handicap at Sedgefield (19.8f, good to soft) 22 days ago. Not taken lightly now that he's up and running.

Form: 46-P931

Al Sayah¹⁷⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 98

9/4

Much improved when making winning handicap hurdle debut at Fontwell last May and followed up at Hereford (19.7f, good to soft). Has run on the Flat last 3 starts, completing the hat-trick at Bath and meeting trouble in running when last seen in October. Major player back hurdling.

Form: 954-11

Forecasts

Al Sayah (9/4), Super Saint (5/2), Koukeo (4/1), Broderick (9/2), Espoir Des Forges (6/1)

AL SAYAH made it 2 from 2 in handicap hurdles when scoring in dominant fashion at Hereford last May, before going on to complete the hat-trick on the Flat, so she is taken to make a winning return to hurdling with her yard going well. She can get the better of last-time-out winner Super Saint, while Broderick isn't ruled out on handicap debut.