bookmakers.co.uk Free Bets 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Well placed to win three of his seven starts so far, including a 4½L novices' hurdle success at Worcester (2m, good) last time. Carries a penalty for that and has to concede weight to his rivals, but looks likely to present them with a serious challenge.

Won back-to-back bumpers in 2015 when with John Ferguson but not seen from August of that year until last month, when 4½L runner-up to Gustave Mahler at Worcester. Meets that rival on 6lb better terms today and entitled to come on for the run, so probably the one to beat.

Been beaten out of sight so far in two soft ground hurdles over 2m4f. However, his dam won on good ground in a 2m hurdle and there are other causes for optimism from his pedigree that the drop in trip will suit. Even so, he will have a handicap mark after today and may be one to watch again this time.

Has failed to build on a promising debut bumper run from last year and now makes his debut over hurdles. Is related to several winners under National Hunt rules at trips from 2m-3m1f, so may now do better when jumping an obstacle not easy to fancy until we have seen more.