Extech Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:51 | Winning time: 4m 8.45s

Gibson Park¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 11-12| J: Bridget Andrews⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 127| BF| D

2/1

Improved since switching codes and has only finished out of the frame once in six starts over hurdles. Already won twice, so pick up a double penalty; but going the right way and entitled to respect despite conceding weight all round.

Form: 91-2213

Arthington¹²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: Kevin Jones⁽⁵⁾| T: J W Mullins

8/1

Improved upon three modest starts in Bumpers to win on hurdling debut in May. Off since then and that form is very ordinary, so does have to step things up a bit more. The betting can be a help in determining how much more is expected.

Form: 833-1

Vancouver¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: N D Fehily| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 120

6/5

Mixed record over hurdles so far but showed he has what it takes to win a race when scoring on good ground at Utoxetter in May. Probably needed the run latest and quite possible he has more to offer on these terms. Has to be considered.

Form: 28P-314

Ashford Island¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Dave Crosse| T: A West

200/1

Best effort on turf on the flat came when second off a mark of 51 (also won off 46 over 7f on the AW at Chelmsford) and has a good bit to find on that level. Hurdles form so far has been poor - probably safe to look elsewhere just now.

Form: 68

Sea Sovereign⁶²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: M Pitman

9/2

Interesting on the pick of his form in bumpers (represents a yard that is respected with its runners in that sphere) and sure to have been well schooled for this debut over hurdles. One to monitor carefully in the betting.

Form: 84360-

Solid Justice³²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Sean Houlihan⁽⁷⁾| T: M Pattinson

66/1

On the downgrade on the Flat and needs to prove he still retains enthusiasm. Never won beyond 1m4f, so also questions to answer regarding the trip.

Form:

Onehelluvatouch¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-5| J: L P Aspell| T: P Hide

33/1

Won over 10f on the Flat but never better than mid-division in either start over hurdles (both at Fontwell). Possible he has more to offer but still has a lot to prove.

Form: 56

Forecasts

Vancouver (6/5), Gibson Park (2/1), Sea Sovereign (9/2), Arthington (8/1), Onehelluvatouch (33/1), Solid Justice (66/1), Ashford Island (200/1)

The penalties make life hard for Gibson Park, whose consistency is a very tempting factor for giving him another chance. However, VANCOUVER can be expected to be a bit sharper after his return to the fray at Newton Abbot earlier this month. He rates as the better value option in a tricky little race. Sea Sovereign also appeals as an unexposed individual that has been found a relatively weak introduction to hurdles, so has to merit a check in the betting at least.