Two horses could be thrown in off their hurdles marks - but will either come out on top in a competitive handicap hurdle?

It is often said that a horse’s hurdles mark should be around 40lb higher than their Flat one. While only a ballpark figure and seldom a precise one, two of these novices may be thrown in over hurdles according to that theory.

Handicap debutant I Love Paris has been allotted an opening hurdles rating of 86, just 12lb higher than his Flat one. That is the same differential as Graham, who is rated 79 on the Flat and goes off 91 at Kempton.

I Love Paris can be a tricky customer. She has refused to race on three of her past five intended starts, but she has consented to run on her last two outings. That is at least a step in the right direction, and Devon trainer Chris Honour, saddling only his third runner at Kempton, is 2-2 over the past fortnight.

Graham is more straightforward, although he let down favourite backers when the subject of strong market support at Plumpton last time. A bad mistake at the fifth cost him significant ground, and he may have dealt with the reopposing Character Testing without that mishap.

Graham is 6lb better off with that rival, whose weight-for-age allowance is eroding, and that may prove decisive granted a more polished round of jumping. 

Bumper winner Gregorians Star is another runner to note for Sheena West, who tried him at Listed level in that discipline at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. He showed improved form on his final run to qualify for a mark in a first-time tongue-tie at Huntingdon recently.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

Going latest

The ground is described as good following a dry week and warm weather. The track had 20mm of water applied on Monday to maintain conditions.

On Monday afternoon, clerk of the course Barney Clifford said: "It's a lovely day here, and it's blue skies all round. We've put plenty of water on. It will be about 80 millimetres in total since March 17 as it's been a dry month. Unfortunately, there are not many runners, but it's a transitional time of year and other tracks have been affected by this weather too."  

What they say

Gary Moore, joint-trainer of Graham
He seems in good order. I was very disappointed with him last time, as I thought it was a weak race at Plumpton, but he made a clumsy mistake. Hopefully this track will suit him better and we'll get a better run out of him.

Tom Ellis, trainer of Character Testing
He's been very, very consistent for us and really deserves to get his head in front. He went down fighting last time, and he hasn't done a lot wrong. He settles better than he did and loves his jumping. He's been creeping up the weights, but I think he's got a chance.

Chris Honour, trainer of I Love Paris
We've been waiting for some better ground, as she was just struggling to get home in softer conditions. I don't doubt that she tries, it's just a case of whether she consents to jump off. She's a bit odd. I think she's a little agoraphobic, as she doesn't like open spaces where she can see for miles. Once she jumps off, she's absolutely fine, but when she can see the whole track before the race, then in the past she's frozen. She's not naughty and she jumps brilliantly, so if we can get her happy, she'll run a big race.

Neil King, trainer of Simply Gorgeous
We've been waiting for the quick ground for her, which we should get. The flat nature of the track should suit her. She's had a nice break, so we're hopeful for a good run.  
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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