Betfred 'treble The Odds On Lucky 15's' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 17:05 | Winning time: 6m 5.90s

Uncle Alastair²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Craig Nichol| T: N G Richards| OR: 130

6/4

Most likely would have an unblemished career record but for falling on his hurdles debut at Ayr in November. A four time winner on testing ground since (2m to 2m4f), he's tough, hardy, but above all a very talented novice. New trip.

Form: 11-F111

Cadeyrn²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R Johnson| T: M Scudamore| OR: 127| CD

5/4

A strong horse who is every inch a future chaser. Improving with hurdles experience, and downed some fair rivals when scoring by an idling neck over C&D last month. Much respected with Richard Johnson now taking the mount.

Form: 315-741

Planet Nine²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: C O'Farrell| T: R Dobbin| OR: 122

3/1

Improving youngster who made the most of a fair opening handicap mark to score with ease by 1¼L on sticky ground at Catterick (3m1f). More to offer, but withdrawn after getting loose ahead of his next intended start at Kelso last Thursday.

Form: 11-4531

Forecasts

Cadeyrn (5/4), Uncle Alastair (6/4), Planet Nine (3/1)

Only the three runners, but very hard to be disappointed with the turnout, as each of those declared have positive futures. Planet Nine relished the step up in trip when scoring on his handicap debut at Catterick last month, but this race is very much 'plan b' as he was withdrawn after bolting at Kelso last Thursday. Cadeyrn is a mighty fine future chaser who simply idled in front when winning over this C&D last month, whilst UNCLE ALASTAIR is most unfortunate not to have a perfect 6 from 6 record on his CV. The narrow selection is top-rated of this trio (130), and has had some tough races up at Ayr this winter, but he's a hardy, yet talented horse and it'll take a very smart one in the North to down his colours.