Racing Partnership Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 5m 21.40s

Moans Cross²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Tom Cannon| T: D G Bridgwater| OR: 111

2/1

Modest maiden Flat stayer (0-11) who has taken well to hurdling (looks better in this sphere); made the most of a good opportunity last time to win at Uttoxeter (2m7f). That was a weak contest (main rival didn't stay); stiff task conceding penalty.

Form: 5321

Eden Flyer^b,t⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.⁽³⁾| T: C L Tizzard

33/1

Little form in three bumpers starts he's fared little better over hurdles so far. Failed to improve from a lack lustre debut last time over timber in first-time blinkers (has been tried in a hood); same headgear combination this time; hard to fancy.

Form: 05-965

Parody²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 114| CD

2/5

Stepped forward from two discouraging bumper starts to show much more over hurdles opening her account over C&D last time, albeit in a weak contest. Won by 11L to land the odds; looks to have been found another good opportunity despite the penalty.

Form: 56-21

Forecasts

Parody (2/5), Moans Cross (2/1), Eden Flyer (33/1)

A very similar scenario to last year when Paul Nicholls saddled the odds-on favourite although he will be hoping for a different result on this occasion as he was beaten into second last year. With the weights greatly favouring his PARODY this year who powered home over C&D earlier this month he should be able to redress the balance before she is given stiffer tasks. Moans Cross has shown ability over hurdles but faces a stiff task at the weights having won a poor contest at Uttoxeter last time. The best that Eden Flyer can hope for is a clear round and a handicap mark.