Belway Homes Doveridge Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 18:20 | Winning time: 4m 56.4s

Mr Woody³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson

11/1

One of two runners in the race for this leading yard who makes his hurdling debut having shown his best form on his bumper debut. Hasn't progressed from that first run but is bred to do better over obstacles over longer trips.

Form: 270-

Royal Reel⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

12/1

Looks to be the stable first choice based on jockey engagements; makes his hurdles debut after being well-fancied in the market for his bumper debut. Offered little in that despite being well positioned; better expected now he tackles hurdles.

Form: 6-

Southern Sam⁷⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: L P Aspell| T: O Sherwood| OR: 122

1/5

Sets the clear standard on form (already has a mark of 122) having run with credit on all his four hurdles starts. Gets a gilt-edged chance to open his account here although he did show some quirks at Fakenham (penultimate outing).

Form: 2/2325-

Staged Engagement²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: A W Short⁽³⁾| T: P E Collins| C

11/2

Irish-trained but all his starts so far have come in GB winning on his third bumper start here last summer. Finished second on his hurdles debut over C&D with his other pair of timber efforts of a creditable nature; further progress needed.

Form: 4/31242-

Caviciana^h⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: W T Kennedy| T: N P Mulholland

66/1

Poor form in a pair of bumpers separated by an eight-month break before being switched to hurdles. Needs to settle much better (hooded both starts so far; retained here) to make an impact over timber; one of the lesser lights.

Form: 399-8

Influential Lady¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-5| J: Harry Bannister| T: W Greatrex

40/1

Could be given some sort of chance on her bumper third here last June but her hurdles form has so far come nowhere near matching that piece of form. Beaten 71L and 68L on her two hurdles starts; hard to recommend.

Form: 0345-6

Forecasts

Southern Sam (1/5), Staged Engagement (11/2), Mr Woody (11/1), Royal Reel (12/1), Influential Lady (40/1), Caviciana (66/1)

Unless the Nicky Henderson pair of Mr Woody and Royal Reel can find some improvement from their bumper starts this looks to be a head-to-head between Staged Engagement and SOUTHERN SAM. The former of that duo has at least won a bumper here but overall his hurdles form doesn’t come close to that of the Oliver Sherwood horse who won’t get an easier chance of getting off the mark.