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4:50 2m4f Handicap Hurdle preview

Dan Kelly, @muffinmannhc, again with this listed, non-terrestrial TV, race.


This handicap hurdle has a solid feel to it with novices and confirmed 2m 4f specialist coming head to head and here's my three against the field.

Bourne was beat at the 2nd hurdle in the Martin Pipe Condititonals race. Hampered and shunted into the wing of that hurdle, Brooke never looked happy with his position throughout the race and as such I am happy to forgive that run. Either way, you can only be impressed by his win at Ascot, and even off this higher mark the return to this flat track is going to play into his hands. The front two in the market have to prove themselves in a hustle 'n' bustle handicap, Bourne passed that test with flying colours.

Of the bigger priced runners, two catch my eye. Firstly Arthurian Legend seems to have crept into this race under the radar. He won the Silver Trophy Handicap at Chepstow smoothly off 125 and comes here only 8lbs higher after runs which suggest he can still has a good race in him. Following that win, he finished 4th to Any Given Day at Haydock, in 3rd that day was Attaglance in receipt of 5lbs, today there's a turnaround of 16lbs for that 1 3/4l defeat. He flopped over fences, and looking to prevent his novice status for next year he was a staying on 3rd to Dream Esteem over an inadequate 2m1f trip. Back to his preferred trip then he is of interest at 25s.

Like Minded has shown a liking for this trip and at 25s looks overpriced. He started the season with a non staying effort behind Sivola De Sivola but followed this up with a sound 3rd to Knights Pass at Kempton. Didn't enjoy his experience over fences, and was given too much to do when behind Attaglance at Cheltenham Festival and this track does seem to prefer the closers.

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