TWO horses who came to grief in a recent Sedgefield hurdle look to be the protagonists for a similar graded handicap at Hexham today.

Dance For Julie had the race at her mercy when getting rid of Barry Keniry after a mistake at the last flight.

That caused her jockey to become unbalanced and they eventually parted company 50 yards up the run-in.

Ben Haslam’s dual purpose filly was in command at the time, while Word Of Warning would probably have finished second but for crashing out at the same obstacle.

Understandably, the handicapper rated Dance For Julie an unlucky loser and has put her up 4lb for what might have been. On the other hand, he has dropped Word Of Warning a pound, so there is a 5lb turnaround when they renew rivalry in the Prospect Estates Handicap Hurdle.

However, with Jason Maguire replacing a claimer on Word Of Warning, the weight difference is reduced to 2lb compared to last time and, while the handicapper knows all about him, Dance For Julie is less exposed and deserves compensation for the one which got away at Sedgefield.

Travelling well when coming to grief at Hexham 12 days earlier, Parson’s Punch battled on gamely to land a Perth prize last weekend and, though he did not have much in hand as regards the winning margin, he showed a likeable attitude and can defy a 6lb penalty in the Hadrian Health Care Handicap Hurdle.

Despite a poor effort last time, Pickworth is only 5lb higher than when scoring at Southwell and a repeat of her best form could make her a rival to Parson’s Punch.

Provided the forecast for heavy showers does not materialize, Mischief Man will have conditions to his liking for the Adriano’s Handicap Chase. The step back up in distance will also suit. Sue Smith’s nine-year-old needs time between his races and it is six weeks since we last saw him finish third of four runners at Uttoxeter.

A mistake four out did not help and he found the minimum trip too sharp.

He was also returning from a 174-day break, so there were valid excuses. He is worth another chance against some very ordinary opposition.

Bought privately from Howard Johnson (pictured left) for whom she won a bumper on her debut, Newdane Dancer obliged first of asking for Dianne Sayer at Perth recently. Even under a penalty, she is worth considering for a follow-up in the Teresa Duchett Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle which is less competitive than the race she won.