188Bet Odds In Pricewise 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 17:12 | Winning time: 7m 5.40s

Head To The Stars³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁷⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 127

6/1

Caused a shock when winning a novice hurdle at 40/1 at Leicester in December but showed that was no fluke when running to that form next time out. This step up in trip looks likely to bring out further improvement, and every chance again.

Form: 60-7

Lovenormoney²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Andrew Tinkler| T: W Greatrex| OR: 130

7/4

Took advantage of the second favourite running below par to score at Uttoxeter last time, the step up to 3m seemingly no problem. Difficult to pin down exactly what the form is worth, but looks to be going the right way regardless.

Form: P1-

Rolling Dylan³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 132

6/4

Made favourite for a Grade 3 handicap hurdle but found it all too much, and was pulled up. This is easier, and previous second to the classy Shantou Bob at Chepstow makes him look the one to beat.

Form:

Zero Grand¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Farrelly| OR: 127

11/2

Step up to 3m showed him in a new light latest, travelling strongly throughout and winning with any amount in hand. Interesting connections switch back to a novices race rather than staying in handicaps, and might find this tougher.

Form: 9563-

Belmont Park²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: James Davies| T: D G Bridgwater

100/1

Shown little in four starts and looked a hard ride last time. No realistic chance.

Form: 03/075-

Clondaw Rigger²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Benjamin Poste⁽³⁾| T: Katy Price

66/1

Point-to-point winner in December and not completely disgraced on debut in a bumper at Bangor, but needs an awful lot more to get involved. Step up in trip may help, though.

Form: 615685-

Forecasts

Rolling Dylan (6/4), Lovenormoney (7/4), Zero Grand (11/2), Head To The Stars (6/1), Clondaw Rigger (66/1), Belmont Park (100/1)

Four of the six hold realistic chances of winning, and on ratings there's little between them. ROLLING DYLAN is the one with the quality handicap form in the book and is taking a big drop down in grade, which should enable him to get back on the winning trail. Head To The Stars has clearly surprised connections with his progress and he may well improve again for this staying trip. Lovemormoney and Zero Grand both hold claims in what is a tricky little finale to the card.