Crackdeloust bids to give Ellison back-to-back wins

3.40 Sedgefield

Betfred Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle |2m3f188y, 4yo+ | ATR

Brian Ellison, who won this £20,000 race 12 months ago with General Mahler, fields another leading candidate this year in largely unexposed five-year-old Crackdeloust.

After some encouraging efforts in novice company, Crackdeloust graduates to handicaps on a mark of 115 and it would be no surprise to see further improvement now he steps up in trip.

Bollin Ace, who held a narrow lead under Lorcan Murtagh when falling at the final flight at Newcastle earlier this month, is effectively 11lb higher taking into account that rider’s 7lb claim and a subsequent 4lb hike - which infuriated trainer Tim Easterby - in the weights. Brian Hughes is in the saddle this time.

Irish raider Indy Island, runner-up to Molly Carew at the Durham track a fortnight ago, is equipped with cheekpieces for the first time.

Key formline?
Mr Clarkson, Crackdeloust and Reverant Cust finished first, second and third in a qualifier for this race over a shorter trip here last month.

One to keep an eye on
Justforjames, a winning pointer in Ireland, has shown progressive form since joining Micky Hammond and could be one to follow when sent over fences next season.

What they say

Tim Easterby, trainer of Bollin Ace
It’s an absolute disgrace he’s gone up 4lb in the handicap after falling at Newcastle last time. I fear the handicapper has got him. It’s not ideal to run within a fortnight of a heavy fall, but the race is there, he seems in good form, and we’re going to have a go.

David Pipe, trainer of Mr Clarkson
It’s a valuable race so we’ve got to give it a go. He was a little disappointing at Sandown last time, but David Noonan has won on him at Sedgefield before. David has one winner left before he loses his claim, so he can take the 3lb off.

Micky Hammond, trainer of Justforjames
He's done well for us since coming over from Ireland and has won twice at Sedgefield. He ran a nice race at Newcastle in a valuable event last time and would appreciate any rain. It’s nice to run in these £20,000 races.

Donald McCain, trainer of Dear Sire
He won nicely at Musselburgh last time despite a bit of a hiccup at the last. The good ground will be fine and I think he’s fairly handicapped. It’s a good prize.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Crackdeloust
He’s a lovely big horse and will appreciate the better ground. It’s a good prize and you need to support races like this.