Mackie's Sky To Scoop Novices' Hurdle

AW bumper winner on his second start at Lingfield in November and having showed promise in his first two hurdle runs he got off the mark at Sedgefield in April. Still looked a little green there and rough around the edges but showed promise and did so when touched off by one who had the run of the race last time out under a penalty and has definite claims on a return from a break.

Finally got off the mark over hurdles in a handicap on his penultimate start when winning a Down Royal handicap hurdle off a mark of 100. Failed to back that up last time out back in a novice hurdle and his form doesn't quite match up to that of his main rival here.

Showed only a little form in bumpers looking to be one for the longer term but hasn't really backed that up in three novice hurdles since looking as though he needs further. Would be better off in low grade handicaps having already gained a rating of 94 rather than in novice company.

Makes his debut here under Rules and is a half-brother to the yard's hurdles/chase winner Solway Dornal. Given that he's a seven-year-old already he needs to make up for lost time but looks as though he'll need this against two useful sorts at this level.