Smarkets Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 6m 33.70s

Balach Mor^v1³⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: M Scudamore

50/1

Wears a visor after failing to make an impression in either of his two previous starts. Not hard to overlook on this occasion.

Form: 9/P-

Captain Cargo¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: Mrs Caroline Bailey

12/1

Showed improvement last time out and possible he'll find a little extra for the stepping up a couple of furlongs this time. Improvement still required.

Form: 3

De Name Evades Me¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 125

10/11

Useful in point-to-points and, while his future probably lays over fences, the gelding has adapted well to racing under rules and, following a decent effort at Cheltenham last month, this course may bring the best out of him. Worth considering.

Form: 12343-2

Rainbow Stripes¹⁸¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: L P Aspell| T: N J GiffordWS

100/1

Plenty of experience in point-to-points but never yet managed a win in that sphere and was pulled up in his last three starts. Big improvement required on his debut under rules.

Form: 4P4P-PP

Three County's¹⁷⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy

6/1

Weakening when the saddle slipped and he ran out in a point-to-point in May; lacks experience and a recent run since then. Best watched.

Form: R

Worthy Farm²⁰²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| BF

9/4

Winner of an Irish point-to-point before joining his current trainer; then made a highly satisfactory debut over timber at Bangor in April. Sure to have been primed fort this return and has to be of interest in an ordinary race.

Form: 13-

Forecasts

De Name Evades Me (10/11), Worthy Farm (9/4), Three County's (6/1), Captain Cargo (12/1), Balach Mor (50/1), Rainbow Stripes (100/1)

DE NAME EVADES ME seems to like an undulating surface and will be tough to master if building on what was a sound effort at Cheltenham last time out. Worthy Farm has been off for a while but represents a top yard and has to be respected at this level. He too has good form to his name from the Pointing scene. Captain Cargo appeals as the best of the rest.