Rewards4Racing Novices' Hurdle

Given his bumper form and coming from a stable that will be no stranger to getting one ready after a long absence (yard 1-7 with jumps runners off 500 plus days) Arakhan should not be underestimated despite having two useful but penalised sorts to cope with. Quite difficult to split the big two but the vote narrowly goes to SMITH’S BAY who ran out an 8L winner last time having already won a bumper on soft ground. Golden Taipan has shown a lot more switched to hurdles and is rated 6lb superior to his main rival but he has to prove himself over this trip and on the ground. Hediddointhe finished a modest third last time and a repeat of the form won’t be good enough even in receipt of weight.

1. Smith's Bay
2. Golden Taipan
3. Arakhan