Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Sharp Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:38 | Winning time: 4m 9.60s

Bedrock^t²²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 144| BF

8/1

Talented juvenile hurdler last season including a thid behind Defi Du Seuil in an Aintree Grade 1, though was slightly disappointing over C&D last time. Probably playing for third but could well fill that place.

Form: 53-113

Better Getalong²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: N D Fehily| T: N G Richards| D

7/1

Made a winning start over hurdles in a minor Ayr event last time having fared okay in bumpers last season. This is massive step up, however.

Form: 2/110-1

Slate House²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| CD

5/2

Won nicely at this course last month despite showing signs of his inexperience (that was his first start under rules). Could be anything and well worth a chance at this higher level.

Form: 5/1-1

Summerville Boy²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George

16/1

Bumper winner in May who was beaten at Stratford on hurdling debut last time out. Should win races but this looks too tricky for him.

Form: 12

Dame De Compagnie^h1¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: B J Geraghty| T: N J Henderson| D

10/11

Won easily on British debut at Uttoxeter last time out having been bought from France. Open to plenty of improvement and should go close here.

Form: 322-1

Forecasts

Dame De Compagnie (10/11), Slate House (5/2), Better Getalong (7/1), Bedrock (8/1), Summerville Boy (16/1)

This should be between SLATE HOUSE and Dame De Compagnie. Colin Tizzard's charge shades preference given the impressive way he won here on hurdling debut (and debut under rules) last time out. He shaped as if there should be plenty of improvement to come and looking at what his trainer has achieved with former point-to-pointers in the past it would be no surprise to see him progress to be a Supreme Novices Hurdle contender this season. The second-named also has a good chance having won well on British debut for the Champion Trainer, while Bedrock collected some good form last season and could be third best.