Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 5m 17.20s

The Butcher Said^h,t¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Adrian Heskin| T: O Murphy| OR: 118

7/4

Already with his third trainer but having shown ability in bumpers he got off the mark at the fourth attempt over hurdles (second run back from a wind op) at Huntingdon. Penalised like Young Wolf but his form doesn't match that one yet.

Form: 236/62-1

Young Wolf³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: R Johnson| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130

2/5

Suited by the switch to handicaps and a longer trip when scoring at Ludlow (3m, good/firm); travelled strongly. Given an 8lb rise for that win connections clearly feel that he's capable of carrying a penalty back in novice company.

Form: 2/4331-

King Golan^p⁴⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Alison Clarke⁽⁷⁾| T: Kenny Johnson| OR: 100| D

40/1

Better known as a handicap chaser (won back-to-back handicaps last October); ran with credit in that sphere until being letdown by his jumping last time. Previous hurdles form was fairly modest; faces a stiff task at these weights on official marks.

Form: 41122F-

Throckley^t²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 102

22/1

Fairly useful sort on the Flat who hasn't transferred that level of form to his hurdling exploits so far (0-5). Last seen in this sphere when pulled up at Ascot last November; usually held up with this trip looking to provide a stiff test.

Form: 5/4244P-

Forecasts

Young Wolf (2/5), The Butcher Said (7/4), Throckley (22/1), King Golan (40/1)

Just a modest start to the card and both Throckley (unproven beyond 2m1f) and King Golan (long time absent in this sphere) look to have stiff tasks which leaves this shaping up as a match between YOUNG WOLF and The Butcher Said. The former of the two major players highlighted looks the pick; his handicap win at Ludlow last time presents itself as the best form here and he should be able to build on that win with Richard Johnson taking the ride. The Butcher Said won well enough last time although he was left clear at the last and his overall form doesn’t match that of the selection.