Smarkets Betting Exchange Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 3m 36.40s

Out For Justice¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Katy Price

40/1

Well beaten in a bumper and a maiden hurdle so far this year. Jumping wasn't all that slick on debut and will need to brush up in that departement. Needs to improve to be involved in the finish.

Form: 26-8

The Detainee^p²²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland

6/4

Been in good form under both codes since joining this yard last summer. Winner on the flat three weeks ago. Both hurdling efforts so far have been full of promise and likely to go well today with a step forward on those efforts expected.

Form: 43-

Compatriot³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-8| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy| BF

11/4

Improved since moving to this yard and won first two starts for them on the flat in February. Closely matched with The Detainee on flat ability and an interesting recruit to hurdling. Top rider booked and expected to go well.

Form:

Marettimo⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-8| J: Sean Houlihan⁽⁵⁾| T: W G M Turner| OR: 104

5/1

Maiden under both codes after 14 starts now. Already has a hurdles mark and whilst his experience may help, he is likely to be vunerable to a couple of the potential improvers in this field. Minor role is likely once more.

Form: 2U526-5

Admiral's Sunset²²³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-5| J: David Bass| T: D Weston

5/1

Landed 1m5f Bath handicap for Hughie Morrison last term and makes hurdling bow for new connections. Half-sister Early Applause won on the level and over hurdles so may pick up a race in due course, if not today.

Form:

Bubbles Arcade⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Kieran Burke

66/1

Won a bumper last year but everything else since has been pretty uninspiring. Beaten a long way here five days ago (48L behind Marettimo) and a similar role is probbaly on the cards today with handicaps likely to suit further down the line.

Form: 43/P13-0

Let's Sway^h²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-1| J: Charlie Hammond⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs Tracey Barfoot-Saunt

14/1

Sent off at 200/1 for hurdles debut and did very well to finish third at Taunton (2m½f, good) having pulled so hard throughout the race. Usual hood goes back on today and if settling better, you can make a case for her giving it another good go.

Form: 3-

Forecasts

The Detainee (6/4), Compatriot (11/4), Marettimo (5/1), Admiral's Sunset (5/1), Let's Sway (14/1), Out For Justice (40/1), Bubbles Arcade (66/1)

The hood may help Let's Sway settle better and she is clearly better for hurdling. Admiral's Sunset was the best of these on the flat and is an interesting recruit to hurdling for her new yard. Any money for her could be significant. Compatriot has improved since the switch to Olly Murphys yard and is likely to make his presence felt on hurdling debut but preference is for THE DETAINEE. Both jumping efforts so far have been full of promise and he can record a first win over timber.