Bovis Homes Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:21 | Winning time: 5m 16.10s

Great Vizier^b,t²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-12| J: D A Jacob| T: G Elliott| OR: 116

6/4

Still seeking a first career win (0-6 over hurdles), but wasn't beaten all that far (4L) by Paint The Dream over a similar trip at Perth on his penultimate start; a test of stamina should suit (by Sir Percy).

Form: 70973-3

Magellan¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Thomas Dowson| T: P A Kirby| OR: 109

6/4

Has raced keenly over hurdles, often to the detriment of his jumping but in fairness he's still learning the ropes and was only beaten less than 3L by a subsequent winner (Onthefrontfoot) in an Ayr maiden (2m, good) one month ago.

Form: 464-2

Riviere Argentee^t,v⁹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 5| Weight: 10-9| J: James Best| T: M F Harris| OR: 88

9/4

Visored mare who flopped in a Stratford novices' seller on her penultimate start (5/6f) before bouncing right back to form when winning in testing conditions in a 2m1f Cartmel Class 5 handicap nine days ago; carries 7lb extra.

Form: 5633-41

Forecasts

Great Vizier (6/4), Magellan (6/4), Riviere Argentee (9/4)

A small field, yet still not the easiest of races to fathom. Rain (which is forecast) would suit the mare Riviere Argentee, but although bouncing right back to form when winning at Cartmel nine days ago, that was anything but the strongest of Class 5 handicaps. In terms of possible riding tactics Magellan could seek to make all, and for that reason alone we'll side with the top-weight GREAT VIZIER who has plenty of stamina in his pedigree (by the Derby winner Sir Percy) and would appear to be most suited by this 2m4f trip.