Bet toteplacepot Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 3m 55.20s

Bach De Clermont¹⁰⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: L P Aspell| T: Evan Williams| OR: 120

5/2

Seemed to appreciate the drop in trip when getting off the mark at Southwell last time out, and should find conditions to his liking here. but yard not really in any great form and that is of some concern here. Penalty to carry and may be vulnerable

Form: 1/4432-1

Tempestatefloresco^t⁶²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| C

4/7

His chasing technique held him back earlier in the year but now he's sorted that out, is fulfilling his potential nicely. Good winner of a valuable Uttoxeter event latest, back over hurdles but the one to beat if translating that form.

Form: 532-111

Saxo Jack^h,t¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 112

7/1

Useful Flat performer, going the right way over hurdles too and little wrong with his recent effort at Worcester in what looked a good race on paper. Bit to find with a couple here, though, and may be one for handicaps after today.

Form: 42

Simple As That²⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill

20/1

Definite promise to be taken from debut at Chepstow last October but blew out at Bangor next time, the soft ground a possible excuse. Back from an absence here and may need the run, but one to watch with a view to the future.

Form: 56-

Orbit Light¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: James Davies| T: Mark Gillard

250/1

Tailed off most starts, pulled up on most recent run here a fortnight ago and no realistic chance here.

Form: 769P9/P

Oyster Pearl^t¹⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-5| J: M G Nolan| T: C J Gray

250/1

Has shown next to nothing in two starts over hurdles and needs accidents to the others if he's to get anywhere near winning this.

Form: 80

Forecasts

Tempestatefloresco (4/7), Bach De Clermont (5/2), Saxo Jack (7/1), Simple As That (20/1), Oyster Pearl (250/1), Orbit Light (250/1)

With concerns over the form of the Evan Williams yard, Bach De Clermont is passed over in favour of TEMPESTATEFLOURESCO, who has improved leaps and bounds since getting his act together over fences. He's back over hurdles here but will take plenty of beating if giving his running, and despite the drop back in trip, isn't short of speed. Saxo Jack should be the best of the rest.