Betway Heed Your Hunch Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 11:58 | Winning time: 4m 36.5s

Cause Toujours^t¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Edward Austin⁽⁷⁾| T: Ian Williams| OR: 132| C

11/4

Dual good ground winner in the summer including over C&D. Fourth next followed by subsequent seconds at Carlisle and Haydock but all on good. Ground here then very much the doubt now and no margin for error under a double penalty.

Form: 2-11422

Eldorado Allen²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: T J O'Brien| T: C L Tizzard

8/13

French import was highly impressive in a 14-runner Sandown maiden hurdle (heavy) when winning by an eased down 4½L. Carries a penalty now but will still take all the beating based on that performance.

Form: 23-1

Champagne Mystery²²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson

9/1

Bought for €68,000 after a promising second in his second point-to-point in Ireland. Winner of that second and third thus far under rules. Joined champion trainer who is in great form and unparalleled with novice hurdlers so has to be respected.

Form: F2-

The Grand Visir⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: Ian Williams

9/1

101-rated four time winner on the flat for William Haggas at up to 2m bought for 170,000gns subsequently at a horses in training sale. Will certainly be one of the highest rated flat performers to go hurdling this season and merits maximum respect.

Form:

West To The Bridge^h,t⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

40/1

Seven race maiden has shown some ability but was 20L behind Eldorado Allen two starts back and beaten 21L most recently so looks very much up against it here.

Form: 825-560

Bonbonniere⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-5| J: Conor Shoemark| T: D Skelton

200/1

Martaline filly was last of 16 in a Warwick maiden hurdle at the end of last month and beaten over 70L in the end. Highly surprising if she is ready to play any major role here.

Form: 0

Forecasts

Eldorado Allen (8/13), Cause Toujours (11/4), Champagne Mystery (9/1), The Grand Visir (9/1), West To The Bridge (40/1), Bonbonniere (200/1)

ELDORADO ALLEN made a big impression at Sandown when running away with what looked a competitive maiden hurdle and given it came in similarly testing conditions he should be able to perform at a similar level which will make him very hard to beat. High-class flat performer The Grand Visir is a very interesting and potentially smart recruit and most feared of the rivals on this his hurdling debut. Champagne Mystery is also interesting on his debut for Nicky Henderson.