Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle (Grade 3)

A fascinating six-runner field and it would be folly to rule any of them out completely. MONALEE gets the vote on the basis that he holds his two main market rivals on collateral form through Death Duty and The Storyteller. Battleford has been a bit underwhelming in three starts over hurdles and it may be that stablemate Turcagua holds the best chance of making it five straight wins for the trainer in this race. Rathnure Rebel struggled in a Grade Two last time and while he should do better, conceding weight to all of these rivals is enough overlook him for win purposes. Woods Well takes a big step up in class for this but won his maiden in facile fashion and should appreciate this test of stamina. 1. Monalee 2. Turcagua 3. Woods Well