'She has bags of ability' - four handicap hurdlers to keep a close eye on

Marcus Buckland and Sam Hardy pick out four horses who caught their eye last week. Members can view the race replays and add these horses to their Racing Post Tracker.

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Barbados Blue
Eleventh, Kempton, December 26

Nicky Henderson's Barbados Blue was ultimately well beaten on her return from 593 days off on her handicap debut at Kempton, but punters should keep the faith as there are races to be won with her this season.

The seven-year-old made a costly early mistake, after which Nico de Boinville wasn't hard on her as she came home in 11th.

A wide-margin Warwick bumper winner on her debut and particularly impressive when opening her account over hurdles at the third attempt at Kempton in May 2019, she has bags of ability and remains open to plenty of improvement. Goodish ground is probably vital, however. [Marcus Buckland]

Members can watch the replay here

Torigni
Third, Kempton, December 27

The stands' side in the home straight was clearly the place to be on this card, so it was a bit of a surprise to see Daryl Jacob stay towards the far side when challenging aboard Torigni in the finale.

Harry Whittington's lightly raced five-year-old, who had finished an encouraging third on his British/handicap debut at Wetherby in November on his return from a significant absence, looked to be going like the winner approaching the second-last.

Harry Whittington: has a nice recruit in TorigniCredit: Alice Whittington

He bungled that flight and gradually ran out of puff on a part of the track which was considered the slowest by clerk of the course Barney Clifford prior to racing.

He was still beaten less than five lengths by the progressive Cadzand, a notable effort, and he could have a nice prize in him. [Marcus Buckland]

Members can click here to watch the replay

Whatsupwithyou
Fifth, Kempton, December 26

Whatsupwithyou ran better than the result suggested when seventh at Kempton and the handicapper has generously dropped his mark as a consequence.

The seven-year-old was going as well as any other horse two out before making a mistake which put paid to his chances.

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Second at Cheltenham on his previous start, Ben Pauling's runner is still lightly raced with six runs to his name and could improve further. [Sam Hardy]

Members can watch the replay here

Hang In There
Sixth, Kempton, December 27

Hang In There attracted plenty of market support here, but his chances were all but gone after a series of jumping errors at the second, third and fourth flights.

He battled on gamely after that and even led at one stage of the race, but his earlier exertions took their toll and he was beaten nearly 11 lengths into sixth.

Although his form figures are now pretty uninspiring, Emma Lavelle's former Grade 2 winner has dropped to an attractive mark if he can brush up his jumping. He could be interesting in a race like the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month. [Sam Hardy]

Members can watch the replay here

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