Kia XCeed Your Expectations Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 17:32 | Winning time: 5m 26.3s

Present Ranger^t⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 127| CD

5/4

Has been in excellent form this season and, as a result, is on a hat-trick bid. Was a C&D winner here two starts back, while more recently, he scored at Warwick (2m5f). Will need to concede weight here but remains a serious contender.

Form: 33/301-1

Bold Record⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 120

2/1

Lightly-raced gelding who has had just the two starts so far. Broke his maiden at Uttoxeter (2m4f) in a 10 runner field where he stayed on strongly at the finish in what was a big improvement on his debt. Leading contender.

Form: 31

Finalshot³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: T J O'Brien| T: H D Daly| OR: 121

10/3

Broke his maiden at the fifth attempt last time at Uttoxeter (2m4f), scoring by 4L after a strong finish to the maiden hurdle. Good chance to follow up here over this distance. One for the shortlist.

Form: 6/28U-41

Rukwa²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 117

9/1

Scored for the first time at Cartmel (2m1f) last time in an 11 runner field on what was his fourth start in the UK where he got up by a neck. Stepping up in trip here so does need to prove his stamina but can't be discounted.

Form: F-4241

Trautmann^t⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁷⁾| T: R Menzies

25/1

Was successful five times on the Flat in 28 appearances, his latest success coming at Ayr over 1m7f back in June. Having his first taste of hurdles here in what will be the furthest trip he has experienced. One to watch for now.

Form:

Forecasts

Present Ranger (5/4), Bold Record (2/1), Finalshot (10/3), Rukwa (9/1), Trautmann (25/1)

BOLD RECORD looked smart last time when he scored over this distance at Uttoxeter on just his second start. He is open to improvement so he will have a great opportunity here to follow up his recent success. Finalshoot tasted victory last time over 2m4f where he outstayed his rivals at the finish. He will be staying on strongly at the end of this contest to be in contention, while Present Ranger is on for a hat-trick here at a C&D he has had success at and should make the frame despite having to concede weight all round.