Read Noel Fehily At 188Bet Novices' Hurdle

National Hunt racing makes a belated reappearance at Gosforth Park following a couple of abandonments, with the ground expected to be riding predominately soft. 2018 could well begin with a winner in the familiar black & white stripes of locally based owner David Armstrong, courtesy of DONNA'S DELIGHT. This grand stamp of a horse screams future chaser at the most casual of observers, but he's also a progressive type over hurdles, and was a shade unfortunate when just edged out by Uncle Alastair on similar ground at Ayr (2m4f+) immediately prior to Christmas. He should be fine over this trip in a lesser race (weakened in the French Furze over C&D in December), and realistically only has Bob Mahler to beat. The Warren Greatrex trained runner is fully respected, but the suspicion is that Donna's Delight will hold all of the aces.

1. Donna's Delight
2. Bob Mahler
3. Cadeyrn