A tricky 22 runner Handicap Hurdle over a trip just over 3 miles. A lottery of its type and I have tried to assess both proven form and potential;

but also to try to look at which horses are fresh enough to win and run well, and which may be over the top. The proven 3 mile form tends

to land on those more exposed, and the fresher form on those who have to prove they can stay the trip. I think I have found though a pair

who cross both segments, fresh enough, fit enough, form at the trip, nice handicap marks and OK on soft Going and will add a pair for a

possible TRICAST perm, it is late season stuff so conservative 1/4 point each way and a small Tricast

  

CONNETABLE ran well at Cheltenham and I think this race will suit. It is basically a horse who has to "crank up" lacks a turn of foot

but who can and will stay on relentlessly at the business end. Trip and Going are fine, and with SkyBet odds to 6th and many to 5th

the 12/1 looks cracking each way value. NO HASSEL HOFF was 4th in this last year as 4/1 favourite off a mark of 134. It was run off

its feet a bit on Good ground and I think this softer ground will help a lot. A cracking Claimer takes 3 pounds off so effectively off 135.

The Yard are adept at readying one and I would be disappointed if not in the first 5 or 6. For the Tricast perm we will add one stepping

up in trip, TIKKANBAR who has been in with some very good horses in good races and could benefit from the step up and old SYKES

who has nothing to hide from the handicapper, but who looks tailor made for this kind of race..I can't not mention DEBECE who many

thought could be "one of the horses of the season" he returns from a tendon injury, would be HOT FAVOURITE but for the lay off, I

would NOT put it past him to win this, but hopefully a good safe run and then next season he WILL be one to note and watch!