'He has an excellent chance' - quotes and analysis for Plumpton's feature

Sunday: 3.20 PlumptonFriends & Family Remembering Norman Sharpe Handicap Hurdle | 2m | 3yo+ | Sky

The winter must be on its way because some old favourites line up in this. Just The Man was regularly placed last season and See The Sea won four times in a busy campaign and is back hurdling after a spell on the Flat.

However, both might be vulnerable as Sergeant comes into the race with the best summer jumps form and has now recorded back-to-back career bests.

Last time out at Stratford he was rewarded for a string of consistent efforts when winning a nine-runner handicap hurdle by a length and a quarter, and he is up just 4lb.

His trainer Milton Harris landed a double at Newton Abbot on Friday and is gearing up for another successful winter. Sergeant might just be able to take another step up the ladder.

Thibault is one of the most versatile horses in training and returns to hurdles at the scene of his last victory. His trainer Adam West also had a winner at Newton Abbot on Friday.

Ben Ffrench Davis was on board for Thibault’s last win at the track, but he wasn’t able to claim his allowance against fellow conditionals. This time he takes 7lb off Thibault’s back.

Ffrench Davis has had four winners, three seconds and two thirds from just 21 rides this season and could be a conditional to keep on your side this winter. His claim is invaluable.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Adam West, trainer of Thibault
Epsom probably came a bit soon on ground he doesn't like, despite being by Kayf Tara. This was planned to be his first blow but after two good runs on the Flat at Epsom I think he's ready to do a bit of damage. He's an out-and-out genuine horse and whether he's got more in the tank I'm not sure, but he has a big one in him somewhere.

John O'Shea, trainer of Just The Man
He seems in good form, he had a prep run at Salisbury and ran well. It's his first run of the season but we're very happy with him. He likes to be settled in at the back and run off a good pace – he's probably near enough at his mark.

Sarah Humphrey, trainer of Glimpse Of Gold
I think he's got every chance – I know he's 11 now but he's at the peak of his form. He's running off career-high marks at the moment but is as fit as can be and he loves his racing. He'll love the ground and I think he has a seriously good chance.

Mark Pattinson, trainer of Ray's The One
He showed a fair level of form last winter but will probably find one or two too good. It's a small field, though, and he's not without an each-way chance – he's a nice young horse.

Milton Harris, trainer of Sergeant
He usually comes there like he's going to win as he likes and sometimes makes hard work of it, which is good as the handicapper is never too harsh on him. He's in good form, I think the race will suit and Paddy Brennan gets on will with him. He has an excellent chance and it's a nice pot from Plumpton, who deserve credit for it.
Reporting by Owen Goulding

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