Race of the Day / Timeform / 11 April 2011 /

A field of eight go to post for this 21-furlong handicap hurdle...

Degas Art was a leading juvenile hurdler in 2006/7, but has gone winless since despite a rapidly falling mark. His latest effort at Carlisle was another step in the wrong direction, although he may not have handled heavy ground.

The Magic Bishop improved significantly in winning handicaps at Newcastle (2m) and Market Rasen (21f) early in the year, and was possibly not over those exertions when disappointing at the latter track last time. He as to be considered.

Texas Holdem has been running consistently well this season and won a conditional/amateur event at Carlisle in the mud last month. He showed better form when third to Charingworth over C&D last time, and lively is ground no problem.

Bywell Beau was formerly a useful hurdler, but age is catching up with him now and he failed to justify support at his favoured Kelso last time. He's not easy to fancy now.

Kempski is a mudlark who won over C&D in November and at Ayr (sixth win there) on his penultimate outing. He put in a fair run last time, but seems reliant on testing conditions to show his form, and needs the heavens to open.

Andreo Bambaleo was well beaten in bumpers but has shown signs of ability on all three starts over hurdles, again looking to need further when a distant runner-up in a Newcastle novice last time. His opening mark looks harsh, however.

Woody Valentine is a fair hurdler/chaser at best, and won four times over 2½m in the first half of last season. He has struggled in the main since, and failed to beat a rival at Sedgefield on his latest outing.

San Deng put up an improved effort in a strongly-run race when winning at Catterick (19f) in January for this 10 lb claimer, and showed similar form when third over 25f there last time. He should go well if in the same form here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Texas Holdem
2. San Deng
3. The Magic Bishop

Timeform View: Texas Holdem arrives in good heart and is proven in the conditions, so makes the most appeal, although both San Deng, who has struck up a good rapport with Joe Colliver, and The Magic Bishop, who may be better for a short break, are worth considering.

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