Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Sharp Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:32 | Winning time: 4m 10.60s

Pacify^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 140| D

7/2

Classy if inconsistent on the Flat for Ralph Beckett, but no questioning his enthusiasm over hurdles, winning five times since June. Some of those wins style over substance, and this is a stiffer test, but merits maximum respect.

Form: 11111

Ecco¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 141| D

6/4

Good sixth in the Triumph Hurdle in March, and has won both starts this season at Wincanton and Ascot. Neither of those events especially strong, but he's won well, and deserves a crack at a bigger prize.

Form: 66-11

Eden Du Houx^t1²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| BF| D

6/1

Won both starts in bumpers last December, showing useful form, and caught the eye when runner-up on hurdles bow at Fontwell last month after an absence. Will improve, possibly to a marked degree, and market will be useful.

Form: 111-2

Hang In There²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 135

6/1

Races freely, but showed plenty of promise for Mags Mullins, and unfortunate to be unseated by a wayward rival on debut for new stable. Improved, and looked a good prospect at Exeter last time, making all, and ready for a higher grade.

Form: 342-U1

Scardura¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N P Mulholland| D

9/2

Big odds on hurdles debut at Galway for Andy McNamara, but shaped with promise, and built on that when landing a gamble on debut for current yard at Taunton last time. This is much tougher, but he can't be ignored.

Form: PF-51

Forecasts

Ecco (6/4), Pacify (7/2), Scardura (9/2), Hang In There (6/1), Eden Du Houx (6/1)

Pacify and Ecco are asked stiffer questions after racking up seven wins between them this season, and while they should be competitive. more will be required from the pair against some unexposed sorts. EDEN DU HOUX caught the eye on his hurdles debut and appeals as being open to plenty of improvement, and he gets a tentative verdict ahead of Hang In There, who won easily at Exeter and also looks destined for better things.