Mackie's Summer Sundaes Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 16:27 | Winning time: 3m 49.3s

John Mor^h,t1²³

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Jonathan Moore| T: S R B Crawford

28/1

Modest form in bumpers and hurdles in 2014 and has returned following mammoth five-year break. Fell early over fences here last month then finsihed midfield in Down Royal hurdle last time. Plenty to find, but interesting connections have persevered.

Form: 4763/F9

Middlebrow^p,t¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 113| D

2/1

Yard continues in good form. Won 2m h'cap chase at Ffos Las last month but is 0-8 over hurdles. Clearly in good heart but might prefer larger obstacles to bring out the best in him.

Form: 43154-1

The Steward^p¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Callum Bewley| T: James Moffatt| OR: 110

6/1

Runner-up seven times in first eight starts for current yard over a wide varierty of trips, but has run below form last two outings. Eased 3lb following latest effort but needs to bounce back to trouble the judge.

Form: 22224-4

Emerald Rocket²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 118

4/5

Went close twice at Fakenham this spring before finishing third at Southwell last time, well held. Highest rated in field on official BHA figures so has clear chance if able to see this out at a stiffer track.

Form: 2-23

Kaizer¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Craig Nichol| T: A C Whillans

28/1

Modest form in three bumpers last season and has made too much of an impression in four runs on Flat since then. Needs to take a big step forward and may struggle with yard going through a quiet spell at present.

Form: 536-

Forecasts

Emerald Rocket (4/5), Middlebrow (2/1), The Steward (6/1), Kaizer (28/1), John Mor (28/1)

Although he hasn't yet convinced that he stays two miles at a strong gallop, EMERALD ROCKET might prove good enough, especially if this becomes a tactical affair. Recent chase winner Middlebrow is respected as he is in form but does appear better over the bigger obstacles, but John Mor is interesting having returned from a five-year absence last month and shown he still retains some ability. He may not be at all far away. The frustrating The Steward is an open book but may be in the mix if putting a couple of poor runs behind him.