7:20 Hexham Tips

Harry Derham has found a weak enough race for Katie's Melody to start her chasing career against opposition she would be at least 10lb better than over hurdles

Don Brocco could be worth another chance despite two below-par efforts coming into this race. His profile is inconsistent, but he has shown enough in the past to suggest he can be competitive from this mark under the right conditions. Three starts ago he produced a solid effort over this course at Hexham Racecourse, finishing 2nd in a Class 4 Handicap Chase over 4M on soft ground off 88. He was beaten 11L by Planned Paradise, but that still rates as a respectable run in stronger company than this. His last victory came at Carlisle Racecourse in February 2025 when winning a Class 5 Handicap Chase over 3M½F on soft ground off 79. He won by 8½L that day in a 0-105 contest, showing the sort of ability he retains when things fall right. The return to softer ground looks a positive, and this 3M trip at Hexham should suit. Connections also reapply the tongue-tie and cheekpieces in an attempt to sharpen him up. Now running off 84, Don Brocco is risky given his inconsistency, but conditions could be ideal for a revival.

Worth the walk may be 9 lb out of the handicap, but Mickey Hammond has won this race in recent years. He was midfield when he fell last time out here two months ago. Before that he had two 2nds, so was in decent form prior to that fall and could be the one to bounce back, with three places on offer.