Bathwick Tyres Bath Novices' Hurdle

Three top yards with good records around here send previous winners for this. Sand Blast looks easy to dismiss on form. His Worcester victory has been devalued by the second and third since and he probably has lot more to find with RIDGEWAY FLYER than the official rating suggests. Harry Fry's charge beat two horses now rated 125 and 129 by 7L and 12L respectively at Ludlow. That suggests he will take all the beating on a track and surface that should suit. Paul Nicholls has such a good record here that Garo De Juilley looks a real danger. The French import has had his problems but had a confidence boosting win over C&D last time. A tendency to hang under pressure, and a recent episode where he burst blood vessels, makes him a less appealing proposition.

1. Ridgeway Flyer
2. Garo De Juilley
3. Sand Blast