Horse Racing Betting Odds At bettingodds.com Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 18:35 | Winning time: 5m 3.5s

Earlshill²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: T J O'Brien| T: S Edmunds| OR: 122

13/8

Hadn't always finished his races off when with previous yard but that wasn't the case at Warwick last time and new trainer may well have found the key to him. Up 7lb for that but it'll be a surprise if that's the best he is. Good chance of follow up

Form: 42/3501-

French Crusader¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 126

8/13

Good second at Doncaster in February was followed up by a facile win at Towcester last time, although jumping wasn't great late on. Obvious chance of winning again under a penalty but Earlshill will be no pushover.

Form: 152-1

Born A Saint^p1¹¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Patrick Cowley⁽⁵⁾| T: Laura Morgan

80/1

Pulled up on only start when sent off a huge price at Carlisle, showing little in the process. Looks booked for fourth barring accidents to the others.

Form: P-

Helmsley Lad¹⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: Ruth Jefferson| OR: 115WS

11/1

Starting to look disappointing after a series of moderate efforts that has seen his handicap mark slide considerably. Back in novice company here, but others are progressive and he'll find life tough against them.

Form: 324/560-

Forecasts

French Crusader (8/13), Earlshill (13/8), Helmsley Lad (11/1), Born A Saint (80/1)

Unless Helmsley Lad refinds his best form, this looks a match between EARLSHILL and French Crusader, with preference for the former after a gutsy display at Warwick last time. That hasn't always been the case with him but his new trainer may have found what makes him tick, and he can score again. French Crusader has done little wrong to date but will need to jump better when the pressure is on.