Sky Sports Racing Virgin 535 Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 16:30 | Winning time: 4m 44.10s

Toshima^p,t⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 11-11| J: T J O'Brien| T: R Stephens| OR: 117| CD

10/11

Won over both hurdles and on the Flat at Ffos Las in July. Defied a penalty to win over C&D last time. This is tougher under a double penalty, but he should again go well.

Form: 8-52P11

Dounyapour^p,t1²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| D

5/6

Triple French Flat winner at up to 1m7f. Broke his duck over hurdles at just the second attempt (first-time cheekpieces) at Worcester (2m4f, good) last time. Tongue-tie now added, and penalty to defy, but has claims.

Form: 51

Forecasts

Dounyapour (5/6), Toshima (10/11)

These races are not often easy to predict, with a muddling pace possible, but DOUNYAPOUR may have just a bit more potential than Toshima on these terms and is the suggestion.