Stagecoach West Scotland Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:51 | Winning time: 3m 41.30s

Galvin³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 144| CD

11/10

Winning spree came to an end at Cheltenham but it was still a very respectable effort to finish a 12l sixth to City Island in the Ballymore. Penalty to carry here but handles all ground and is a course winner. Chances again in an open little race.

Form: 111116

Getaway Trump⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| BF

10/3

Threw in a bad one at Kelso last time (when well fancied) but previous runs behind the likes of Champ and Al Dancer are top class. Worth forgiving the Kelso effort and if so, has leading chances here, despite the penalty.

Form: 411244

Seddon³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: P J Brennan| T: T R George| OR: 137| D

3/1

Talked up as Festival material at the beginning of the year but he's yet to really catch fire and he's ground to make up on Galvin on their Ballymore running. Bit to prove now, and drop back in trip not guaranteed to suit.

Form: 0-13337

Our Power³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: James Bowen| T: A King| OR: 133| D

20/1

Useful on the Flat and has transferred that ability over hurdles, highly tried last couple of starts but not disgraced by any means and this looks a suitable test (both wins in small fields). Gets a bit of weight and not ruled out.

Form: 12149

Lust For Glory²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 134| D

8/1

Defeat of the useful Posh Trish at Newbury last November brings her right into this, bit below par at Cheltenham when well beaten in the Mares novice hurdle but this is easier. Needs a bit more but that's not impossible.

Form: 3-11210

Forecasts

Galvin (11/10), Seddon (3/1), Getaway Trump (10/3), Lust For Glory (8/1), Our Power (20/1)

None of the five can be safely ruled out. Getaway Trump might be the one to beat if you are happy to overlook his Kelso effort, and the excellent strike ratio the yard has here (22%) only bolsters the case for him. Galvin is another that has done well this season and the drop back in trip won't be a problem, but maybe, getting 6lb from the penalised pair, OUR POWER might be the one. He may just have a bit too much speed for the top pair and his midfield finish in the Fred Winter was a decent effort. Seddon has yet to really show what he was thought capable of, but he's not far away on the figures, and neither is the mare Lust For Glory.