Bet365 Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 12:56 | Winning time: 3m 44.92s

Beach Break^b¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 11-10| J: Henry Brooke| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 125| D

2/1

Rattled off a hat-trick earlier in the campaign before the handicapper seemingly caught up with him but he's a fascinating contender back in novice company here. May want a step up in trip given time but capable of going well here.

Form: 211134

Thistle Do Nicely¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: T J O'Brien| T: Jamie Snowden

10/11

Won a bumper at Towcester and he was an impressive winner of a maiden hurdle last time with the front two pulling clear. This is a much tougher test but could be anything at this stage and shaped like he would improve plenty for the run last time.

Form: 18-1

Goodthyneaway¹⁵⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton

16/1

Well beaten in a trio of point-to-points earlier in the year and while the yard have a fine record at this course, this gelding is probably best watched on Rules debut here unless the market strongly suggests otherwise.

Form: F3-474

Lough Legend¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith

5/1

Ran okay in two bumpers but didn't shape with much promise on hurdles debut at Carlisle last time (subsequently disqualified, loss of saddle cloth). Others arrive with stronger claims.

Form: 33-D

Non-Runners

Pullman Brown⁹

Weight: 11-0| Age: 6

T: P A Kirby J: Thomas Dowson

Schiehallion Munro²⁹⁵

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: Micky Hammond J: Alain Cawley

Smackwater Jack²¹⁰

Weight: 11-0| Age: 4

T: O Murphy J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Thistle Do Nicely (10/11), Beach Break (2/1), Smackwater Jack (5/2), Lough Legend (5/1), Goodthyneaway (16/1), Schiehallion Munro (16/1), Pullman Brown (33/1)

BEACH BREAK sets a rock solid standard on form for the rest to aim at here and while he has to concede weight to all, it's likely he will prove hard to beat. Thistle Do Nicely shaped well on hurdles debut and could be the best of the rest while Smackwater Jack could improve for trainer Olly Murphy.