British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 15:27 | Winning time: 4m 48.80s

Smackwater Jack¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: David England| T: O Murphy| OR: 120

4/1

Came good at the third attempt over hurdles with an easy win at Ludlow last time, winning with plenty in the tank. Penalty for that makes life harder but at least he has shown he knows how to win, which gives him a chance here.

Form: 2-F31

At Its Own Expense⁵²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Sean Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: P Hobbs & J White

10/1

Getting the hang of things now, placed in both bumpers and looking very much in need of some obstacles. Bare form leaves him with plenty to find but this step up in trip should help, and hard to totally discount if jumping with fluency.

Form: 5-33

Before Midnight⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 128

11/8

Good chance on form as he has a very narrow victory in a bumper over Smackwater Jack to his name, but is much better off at the weights here. Starting to look a touch frustrating but looked a likely winner when unseating at Chepstow two starts back.

Form: 131-2U2

Jasmin Des Bordes^t1²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: David Noonan| T: D Pipe

7/4

Progressing with each run and despite early keenness at Chepstow last time, ran a race full of promise. Tongue tie goes on here and if settling a bit better, and taking another small step forward, represents a big threat to all.

Form: 223

Movie Theatre^h1³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Jack Barber

66/1

Point-to-point winner back in 2017 but pulled up in two tries since then and now connections give the hood a try. Looks more in hope than expectation. Little chance.

Form: 21/PP

Ruffling Feathers⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: C L Tizzard

25/1

In good hands but beaten big distances in two hurdle starts so far and can't be entertained here.

Form: 84-850

Forecasts

Before Midnight (11/8), Jasmin Des Bordes (7/4), Smackwater Jack (4/1), At Its Own Expense (10/1), Ruffling Feathers (25/1), Movie Theatre (66/1)

Smackwater Jack has a tough task to beat BEFORE MIDNIGHT if their bumper form is to be believed - Before Midnight just proved too good on the day, but meets the runner-up o much better terms here. He has been presented another good chance to get off the mark and he can prove too good once again. Jasmin Des Bordes might prove the biggest threat after a good effort at Chepstow last time out. There should be more to come from him if he settles better.