Can former chaser Jarveys Plate continue his renaissance over hurdles?

Friday: 3.05 Uttoxeter
Low Cost Roofing Stoke Handicap Hurdle | 2m7½f | 3yo+ | Sky

When Jarveys Plate went novice chasing at the start of the 2019-20 campaign, he kicked off his career over fences by defeating Grade 1-winning hurdler Reserve Tank and all roads appeared to lead to Cheltenham as he got quotes for all the big novice races at the Festival.

The wheels soon fell off, however, and his chasing career descended into disappointment. He didn’t win again in five starts and his RPRs steadily declined from 149 to 126.

Jarveys Plate might not have made the grade as a chaser, but he started to reach his full potential when switched back to hurdling last season and is now seeking a third win in his last five starts.

He hasn’t been seen since June when he won a 2m7f handicap hurdle at Worcester and recorded a Racing Post Rating of 142. That is 1lb lower than his career-best in this sphere, which was achieved when winning a Listed novice hurdle at Cheltenham in 2019.

His career-high chase RPR is 149 and, if he can match that over hurdles, he is the one to beat.

Bannixtown Glory also brings Cheltenham form. She won a Listed mares’ handicap hurdle at the April fixture but then made hard work of landing short odds on her chase bow at Cartmel in June.

It’s no surprise she is switched back to hurdling after such an underwhelming start over fences and she has won four of her last seven starts at this discipline. She could return to her best.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Jarveys Plate
He’s done plenty of work as it’s his first run after a break. He’s got top weight, so we’re taking the 3lb off with Liam [Harrison]. It’s a lovely starting point but he’s got to give plenty of weight away to a lot of horses. Fingers crossed he’s in good form.

Robin Dickin, trainer of Moon Over Germany
He’s been to see hounds and all sorts of stuff like that to take his mind off racing and to give him a new lease of life because he’s had no form for a year. Finding races is difficult because of his rating. He’s done a hell of a lot of work and looks magnificent.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Trincomalee
He ran an absolute belter in the staying race at Haydock. I thought he’d won that but he just got done. He’s in good form, loves good ground and we’re looking forward to getting him out.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Thunderstruck
I’m really happy with him. He ran really well on his first start back and just got collared. The extra distance might just help him since he’s had his wind done. It’s competitive but I’m hopeful of a nice run.
Reporting by Charlie Huggins

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