Albert Bartlett River Don Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 5m 54.0s

Bailarico^p¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: G Sheehan| T: W Greatrex| OR: 135| D

7/2

Former point-to-pointer won all five flat races last summer and is two from three over hurdles since albeit first was a walkover. Improved for step up to this trip latest when a winner at Kempton. Earnt this chance at higher grade and respected.

Form: 551-131

Commodore Barry^t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 138| CD

6/4

Took record to four from six over hurdles when battling to success latest in a C&D handicap (front two clear) and is three from three over 3m now. Step up in class here but well worthy of it and leading claims once more.

Form: 311211

Nadaitak^p⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: N de Boinville| T: B Pauling| OR: 130| BF| C

12/1

Useful flat performer won second of three hurdle races here over 2m5f before being turned over at 2/9 subsequently over C&D behind a horse whose form otherwise doesn't amount to a great deal. Potential remains but up against it here.

Form: 412

Truckers Lodge^p³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 142| BF| D

6/4

Gained second hurdle win (first for this yard) when absolutely bolting up at Chepstow upped to 2m7½f. Narrowly touched off over same C&D next despite 13lb higher mark and now looks worthy of this crack at Graded company.

Form: 2-14412

Forecasts

Truckers Lodge (6/4), Commodore Barry (6/4), Bailarico (7/2), Nadaitak (12/1)

COMMODORE BARRY is fast establishing himself a smart staying novice hurdler and Kim Bailey's improver can continue his unbeaten record over 3m by landing this small but competitive Grade Two contest. Truckers Lodge is official top-rated so must have a chance at level weights and Paul Nicholls' runner like the selection is a stayer going in the right direction. Ballarico won well latest and his trainer has his string in terrific form.