British Stallion Studs EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 3.5s

Oxwich Bay²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 120| C

1/1

Consistent gelding that won over 2m4f on his penultimate start but took a step backwards when falling in Grade 3 at Ascot last time out. This is more his level and the drop in trip shouldn't be an issue. Has to make the shortlist.

Form: 32-221F

Scorpion Sid³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden

10/11

Created a favourable impression on debut in a point-to-point before comfortably getting off the mark under rules latest. Likely there is a lot more to come and has to merit consideration in a race of this nature despite the penalty.

Form: 2-1

Big Fred¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Dave Crosse| T: B J Llewellyn

50/1

Not shown much over hurdles so far and has a bit of improvement to find. Possible he'll find his level in a handicap over slightly further in due course.

Form: 505

Court Duty⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: R T Dunne| T: J L Flint

100/1

Not shown ,much in three bumpers and is difficult to recommend on the evidence in the form book so far.

Form: 8-08

Midnight Trouble³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Jack Savage⁽⁷⁾| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

14/1

Well beaten fourth of eight in a bumper on his debut but is bred to make an impact over jumps so cannot be discounted. The market can guide but possible he'll also be better with this experience behind him.

Form: 4

Turbotim¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Benjamin Poste| T: M Scudamore

66/1

Already has improvement to find and needs to up his game considerably to get of the mark in this company. Others much more appealing.

Form: 049

Forecasts

Scorpion Sid (10/11), Oxwich Bay (1/1), Midnight Trouble (14/1), Big Fred (50/1), Turbotim (66/1), Court Duty (100/1)

SCORPION SID looks a useful recruit and may have plenty more to offer. The Jamie Snowden-trained gelding won well last time out and edges the vote ahead of Oxwich Bay, who also knows what it take to win a race, is the obvious danger and is likely to provide the selection with the sternest challenge. Midnight Trouble represents a top yard and has a likeable enough pedigree to merit a speculative interest if the market indicates he's learned a good bit form his debut run.