Is this the cure for seconditis? Analysis and key quotes on Market Rasen feature

Join Racing TV Now Handicap Hurdle | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | RTV

What to make of a horse who has finished second on four of his last five starts? That is the question that comes to mind when assessing Guernesey, who now has three consecutive 2s by his name and appears to have developed a habit of running well without winning.

The Racing Post handicappers have noted his consistency. He has recorded RPRs of 126, 125 and 126 on his last three starts, but that doesn't leave him with bundles in hand off his mark of 123.

He will probably need to register at least 129 and possibly higher to land a second career victory, so a career-best will be required. However, he is 2lb well in according to BHA ratings following a narrow defeat at Wincanton nine days ago.

A Distant Place has finished second on three of his last four starts and has a similar profile to Guernesey, having run to similar RPRs on each of those outings. He races off 2lb higher than Guernesey but is unexposed in comparison after just five hurdles starts. There could be plenty of improvement in the locker.

The final word goes to Calico for Dan and Harry Skelton. He was last seen finishing down the field behind Suprise Package in the Imperial Cup and this will be a significantly easier assignment.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Calico
He ran nicely enough back over hurdles last time and this is calmer waters. This time last year he finished fourth in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, so you'd have to give him a little chance.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of A Distant Place
Hopefully he'll run well. He's doing fine at home and is good on recent form. We're hopeful.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Shantou Express
He had a disappointing winter but ran better than the form suggests at Stratford last time. Going up to 2m4f might be an improvement and hopefully he's going forward.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Guernesey
The handicapper has put him up 2lb for his run last week, which he escapes. He seems in good form and we hope he'll run very well.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Mackelduff
He had a bad run last time but looks to have a nice mark on his earlier form this season. We'll need a bit of rain for him to run but he's in good form and hopefully a wind operation has helped him.
Reporting by Owen Goulding

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