Like The Sound and Ready And Able revert to hurdles for Pertemps qualifier

Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) | 2m7f, 4yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

A qualifier for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival, this race produced a smart winner last year in Aaron Lad, who followed up at Cheltenham's December meeting before running in the series final in March.

Among the most intriguing contenders this year are two horses who were last seen in action over fences but revert to hurdles to contest a prize fund of £20,000.

Like The Sound carries top weight on his seasonal reappearance, having landed two of his last four races over fences. He has the benefit of racing off a 5lb lower mark back over hurdles for the first time since April, 2017 but trainer Charlie Mann plans to return to chasing soon.

"He was meant to run in the Southern National at Fontwell last Sunday but the ground was terrible and we've not got a lot of options," said Mann.

"I want to run him in the Becher Chase, which is just over two weeks away and want to get a run into him. He'll be competitive but the main aim is Aintree."

Ready And Able: has winning form over hurdles and fencesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Ready And Able was last seen winning his chase debut at Southwell in July but trainer Jonjo O'Neill is keen to get the six-year-old qualified for the Pertemps Final.

"He's a novice over fences for the rest of the season but he's a little fragile and I thought we'd try and qualify him for the final," said the trainer.

"He's got a fair engine and will continue to have the option of switching between hurdles and fences."

What do the stats say?

Market Rasen in Lincolnshire has proved a happy hunting ground for Shropshire trainer Henry Daly, who has enjoyed six winners from 23 runners at the track over the past five seasons at a strike-rate of 26 per cent.

Daly saddles Rapper, whose seventh-placed finish at Cheltenham on his seasonal return suggested this step up in trip would be in his favour.

Charlie Mann might be looking towards the Randox Health Becher Chase with Like The Sound but there is no denying the good form of his Lambourn yard, which has sent out two winners from its last three runners. Mann also runs Robaddan in the 2m2½f novice hurdle on the card at 12.25.

What the trainers say

Gillian Boanas, trainer of Teescomponents Lad
I probably got a bit excited running him in that Grade 2 at Wetherby but he didn't disgrace himself. This is an easier track and over slightly shorter, which I think will be in his favour.

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Dadsintrouble & Copper Gone West
We really like Copper Gone West and, while it hasn't clicked in her first two runs this year, we're hoping for a vastly improved performance. She's a nice mare. We're hoping Dadsintrouble can rediscover some of his old sparkle.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Back On The Lash
He ran well at Cheltenham last time and I think the step up in trip will help. His best form has been on good ground but it was soft enough at Cheltenham and he's going the right way. He's got a solid each-way chance.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Regarding Ruth
She's gone up 9lb for her win at Fakenham which is a hefty rise and this is a big jump up in class. I guess we'll find out if the handicapper is right or not but she's very well.

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