Denmans Garden Floral Delight Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 5m 31.10s

Double Treasure^t¹⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Max Kendrick⁽⁵⁾| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 140| CD

3/1

C&D winner. Found some form since a wind op last year and not beaten all that far in his hat-trick bid at Chepstow two starts back. Shaped as if amiss at Cheltenham last time but market likely to be the best guide on whether he's ready on return.

Form: 70-112P

Danse Idol⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Lorcan Williams⁽⁵⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 126| BF

30/100

Has been very consistent since gaining her maiden hurdle win at Wincanton. Seemingly didn't stay at Doncaster when stepped up in trip but she's an obvious player at this distance with more progress to come.

Form: 2-61222

First Assembly²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey

66/1

Has shown very little since switched to Rules and finished last of seven when tailed off on hurdles debut last time out. Has it all to prove, particularly in this company.

Form: P-75677

Laoch Beag⁷²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: Mrs H R J Nelmes| OR: 83

66/1

Still a maiden but put up his best effort by some margin when runner-up at Newcastle last time out. Has plenty on his plate here though out of handicap company on these terms.

Form: 359042/

Deputy Jones⁷²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: R T Dunne| T: N P Mulholland

10/1

Won only start, that being a point-to-point back in April 2017, so of some concern that she's not been seen since then. Staying will be her game and she still has time on her side, but probably best watched in this instance.

Form: 1/

Forecasts

Danse Idol (30/100), Double Treasure (3/1), Deputy Jones (10/1), Laoch Beag (66/1), First Assembly (66/1)

DANSE IDOL looks like the solid contender here and the mare's consistency edges the vote now she's dropping back to a more suitable trip. Double Treasure won't be far away if ready to go on return but he's needed his runs on the back of a lay-off in year's gone by. If Laoch Beag can build on his latest run, he may be able to come out on top in the battle for third.