15:00 Kempton

Saturday 25 February 2017

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:45

Sky Bet Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 47.1s

Capitaine^h²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 145

7/4

Never been out of the first two in six career starts so far, and looked a little unlucky when not disgraced in defeat by the well-regarded Finian's Oscar last time. He looks to be the one to beat on ground that should be perfect for him.

Form: 2124P1-

Elgin¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 142

3/1

C&D winner who suffered his first defeat over hurdles when going down to Neon Wolf at Haydock last time, and is a big player on that form. Looks a talented and progressive performer for some top connections.

Form: 51-21

Peter The Mayo Man²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: N D Fehily| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 140

9/2

Has been putting in some good performances at a lower level than this before being beaten at odds-on last time. Can't be ruled out but on previous evidence he may just come up short in this company.

Form: 4-11123

River Wylde¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 135

11/4

This is a big step up from the two maiden/novice hurdle events he's won easily in recent months, and it's difficult to assess how much he's had in hand on those occasions. Makes the shortlist for a trainer who has won this twice in recent years.

Form: 23-10

Bazooka²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: James Banks| T: D Flood| OR: 117

80/1

A tame fourth in both his starts over hurdles so far having shown only modest form on the Flat. Up against it with some smart rivals lining up today.

Form: /-

Mister Universum⁵⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

33/1

French import who was well beaten on his British debut at Newbury in a much easier race than this. Entitled to come on for that, but probably not enough to be competitive here.

Form: 47-

Ronnie Baird^h¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Mr Robert Hawker| T: Mrs L J Young

250/1

Beaten a long way in both starts over hurdles, not looking up to the task on either occasion, having won just one race on the Flat. This is his toughest assignment yet and he is really look up against it.

Form: -

Non-Runners

Captain Forez⁸⁹

Weight: 11-2| Age: 5

T: D Skelton J: Harry Skelton

Forecasts

Capitaine (7/4), River Wylde (11/4), Elgin (3/1), Peter The Mayo Man (9/2), Captain Forez (5/1), Mister Universum (33/1), Bazooka (80/1), Ronnie Baird (250/1)

There are a few unknown quantities in this field, including River Wylde and Elgin, both of whom it's difficult to assess in terms of quality, but who are both undoubtedly progressive types. They should be competitive here, especially the former, who is undefeated over hurdles. The same can't be said for CAPITAINE, but there was no shame is losing to Finian's Oscar, the favourite for the Neptune, last time on ground that would have been softer than ideal, and he can return to winning ways now he should be back on his preferred sounder surface. 1. Capitaine 2. River Wylde 3. Elgin