Howdens Joinery Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:11 | Winning time: 4m 7.37s

Keyboard Gangster^t²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Callum Whillans⁽³⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 130| D

6/1

Improved significantly on his debut when scoring readily at Ayr (2m, heavy) last month. Looks likely to make further progress on that evidence and should make a good fist of trying to defy a penalty.

Form: 86-41

Midnight Shadow⁶⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| D

1/4

Scored on hurdles debut at Uttoxeter (2m, soft) in October and just touched off in Listed company next time. Has continued to progress and ran well in Grade 2 last time. Shoulders penalty here, but could prove tough to beat.

Form: 27-1222

Think Ahead^p²⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Henry Brooke| T: James Moffatt

9/1

Was readied to win by 9L in a maiden hurdle at Cartmel (2m1f, soft) on his only start in 2017. Not easy to put that form into context in this line-up, but certainly open to further progress and we know he goes well when fresh. Market check advised.

Form: P-1

Kapga De Lily¹⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Aidan Coleman| T: Miss V Williams

66/1

Sent off at 11-2 on debut in a Carlisle bumper in October but well beaten there. Now tries hurdles and pedigree suggests that this will be much more her forte. Receives plenty of weight from her three opponents, so market check prudent.

Form: 5

Forecasts

Midnight Shadow (1/4), Keyboard Gangster (6/1), Think Ahead (9/1), Kapga De Lily (66/1)

MIDNIGHT SHADOW has the strongest form on offer here, despite just the one win so far. Sue Smith's charge handles these conditions and looks capable of adding a second success. Keyboard Gangster and Think Ahead can probably fight out bridesmaid honours, though Kapga De Lily is an interesting newcomer to hurdles.