Coolmore EBF Stallions 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 12:55 | Winning time: 4m 1.06s

Crooks Peak²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 133| D

7/4

Built on a winning start in bumpers to win a Listed contest in that sphere last November. Only beat one home in the Festival Champion bumper but that race has provided a rich source of winners; already a hurdles winner (carries penalty).

Form: 110-41

Danny Kirwan²²⁷

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

1/2

Easily won his only start in Irish point-to-points; came to this stable with a big reputation which he justified with an easy win on his bumper debut. Disappointed after that in Grade 2 bumper (trainer regrets running him); a high-class prospect.

Form: 110-

Non-Runners

Baddesley Prince¹⁸

Weight: 10-12| Age: 4

T: C Gordon J: Wayne Hutchinson

Forecasts

Danny Kirwan (1/2), Crooks Peak (7/4), Baddesley Prince (20/1)

The experience that Crooks Peak gained in bumpers has stood him in good stead in his two outings over hurdles and he made the most of an easy opportunity to score last time out at Exeter. Already given a rating of 133 he will provide a good test for top-class prospect DANNY KIRWAN who won his debut bumper over 2m here. Paul Nicholls charge has been spoken in glowing terms by the trainer and should make the most of the 6lb he receives off the previous hurdles winner in the field having strengthened up over the summer. Baddesley Prince looks outclassed by the other two and a clear round and a handicap mark will be the limit of his ambitions.