Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 4m 5.22s

Elixir De Nutz²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: T J O'Brien| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 140| D

3/1

Quite impressive on last two starts at Cheltenham, latterly beating a good subsequent winner. Frontrunner who could prove hard to peg back despite facing stiffer opposition.

Form: 16-F211

Grand Sancy^h¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 137| D

4/1

In good form and progressive this season. Did little wrong in a hot handicap at Ascot last time, but is exposed and is vulnerable against some rivals with plenty of potential.

Form: P-12114

Mercy Mercy Me²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 130| CD

14/1

Bumper winner who has been placed in both starts over timber. Needs to find considerably more, but stable is not without talent in this division.

Form: 187-23

Rathhill¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: B J Geraghty| T: N J Henderson| D

6/5

Well backed when scoring in a big field at Newbury on hurdling bow. Top trainer has a wealth of riches in the novice hurdle division and this one is the stable's choice from a clutch of entries.

Form: 2-1

Southfield Stone²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 140| D

6/1

Bumper winner who has scored in good style on both hurdlng starts at Taunton. Much more needed and may get involved in a duel with Elixir De Nutz up front, but has to be respected with his leading yard stepping him up so significantly in grade.

Form: 3-111

Non-Runners

Idee De Garde³⁵

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: D Skelton J: Harry Skelton

Forecasts

Rathhill (6/5), Elixir De Nutz (3/1), Grand Sancy (4/1), Southfield Stone (6/1), Mercy Mercy Me (14/1), Idee De Garde (20/1)

Last year's contest did not look a vintage renewal on paper, but it produced the first two home in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. This latest renewal has a similar feel, but most of these remain unknown quantities and it is only his leading stable's strength in depth in the novice hurdling division that gives RATHHILL the vote. He showed a nice turn of foot to win on his hurdling bow at Newbury and can take care of Elixir De Nutz and Southfield Stone, who both like to force the pace and could compromise each other's chance if becoming embroiled in a duel. Idee De Garde may fare best of the others.