Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 4m 6.9s

Graasten¹⁰⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 122

9/4

Struck into last time out so is better judged on his previous effort when making most to win at Plumpton. Given a chance to race off the same mark, assuming he suffers no ill-effects in running, he can make this a good test for the rest.

Form: /2-2317

Conteur d'Histoire⁷³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: N D Fehily| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 114

9/1

Posted a good effort at Wetherby last November but has been below that level since. Has often spoiled his chances by racing too freely and needs to learn how to settle. Stable has been unusually quiet for this time of year but has started to fire in a few winners over the last fortnight. One to watch in the betting.

Form: 260P24-

Zenafire²⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: L Treadwell| T: Sarah Hollinshead| OR: 110

9/2

Won over middle distances on the Flat but has yet to look like repeating the feat over hurdles. Best watched just for the time being; even though he should fare better in handicaps from now on.

Form: /77324-

Broughtons Rhythm³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: H Spiller| OR: 110

4/1

Coped well with the demands of this C&D last time out and has shown enough to think he's capable of finding a race before too long. Very positive jockey booking and, as the ground should be to his liking, a bold bid is expected.

Form: 2/P5431-

Weld Arab¹⁷⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: D F O'Regan| T: M Blake| OR: 102

14/1

Developed a liking for Worcester but has a little to prove on this more demanding course lay-out. However, he has a good turn of foot and can help to set a good tempo. One to bear in mind if the market backs up his claims.

Form: P-58425

Star Of Namibia¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: M Mullineaux| OR: 102

25/1

Still a maiden after 26 efforts under both codes. Hurdles form has been uninspiring so far and will know more once he has become acclimatised to handicapping. Others make more appeal for the time being.

Form: /P56P7-

Thehossbehind⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: Ian Williams| OR: 98

7/2

Looks a little high in the ratings for what he has actually achieved so far; obviously open to improvement but hasn't looked to be the sharpest over his hurdles. From a shrewd yard, so may be one to get it together given more time.

Form: 2-0806

Forecasts

Graasten (9/4), Thehossbehind (7/2), Broughtons Rhythm (4/1), Zenafire (9/2), Conteur d'Histoire (9/1), Weld Arab (14/1), Star Of Namibia (25/1)

BROUGHTONS RHYTHM and Graasten hold the most solid claims on the evidence available and, given that the former is likely to encounter more suitable ground, he just edges the vote as the one to be on. Richard Johnson is an obvious boost to his claims. Zenafire is one that can improve as he gains in experience and is one to view with an eye on the future.