Verdict

EMPRESS ORCHID has won her last two starts in the style of a hurdler on the upgrade. She ran out a clear winner over C&D three weeks ago when beating Saoma in soft ground and can shrug off a 5lb rise in the handicap here. Babilu had looked a progressive hurdler at the end of last year registering victories both here and at Taunton but she's lost her way a little of late, while Chicklemix finished a well-beaten third at Fakenham last time and makes her handicap debut today. Arisea and Baggsy have both won selling hurdles but look up against it in this company.

Formwatch

Empress Orchid 8-13fav (11-6) Made all, ridden clear approaching last, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Saoma (11-0) by 11l, 6 ran.

Babilu 25-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear and keen, headway approaching to chase leaders when fell 6th, in a race won by Karky Schultz (11-1) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs, 14 ran.

Arisea (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, pushed along 4 out, ridden from next, never dangerous, 7th of 13, 28l behind Santa's Son (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft.

Chicklemix 14-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, under pressure 4 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 12, well behind Camden (11-5) at Fakenham 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) sft in Jan.

Baggsy (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) In rear, lost touch 3rd, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out, in a race won by Ultravox (10-5) at Towcester 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan, 8 ran.