Derek Hunnisett Memorial 'National Hunt' Auction Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 13:13 | Winning time: 5m 33.9s

Call Off The Dogs¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore

18/1

Well held in both a bumper and here over C&D on his recent debut over hurdles (soft). The latter was a step in the right direction, but more is needed here.

Form: 9-7

Imperial Esprit²⁹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: P J Brennan| T: H Fry| BF

6/4

13L second on his bumper debut at Chepstow this time last year, which was a promising start. Not quite as good when beaten favourite on only subsequent run. From a good family and a stable in form, and likely to acquit himself well on hurdles debut.

Form: 25-

Mr Perfect¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: C J Todd⁽⁷⁾| T: Ian Williams

9/2

Showed promise in both bumper runs, improving on his Huntingdon debut in the spring when tried in an AW bumper at Lingfield recently. Nice jumps pedigree, and should go well on hurdles debut, now up in trip.

Form: 2-3

The Honeydipper^t1²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Ben Hicks⁽⁷⁾| T: Jamie Snowden

25/1

Not devoid of ability in a couple of bumpers, but pulled up on soft ground on his hurdles debut at Sedgefield last month. Tongue-tie now fitted, but looks up against it in this field.

Form: 59P

Top Man²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon

5/4

Irish point winner who showed promise on his hurdles debut at Kempton in October (2m5f, good). Hung left when taking a backward step at Wincanton last time. Needs to bounce back, but not ruled out if he can.

Form: P6-1536

Forecasts

Top Man (5/4), Imperial Esprit (6/4), Mr Perfect (9/2), Call Off The Dogs (18/1), The Honeydipper (25/1)

Top Man could get involved if able to bounce back from a disappointment last time, while Mr Perfect is a very interesting hurdles newcomer who merits respect. However, IMPERIAL ESPRIT represents a stable in good form and he is also nicely-bred. He is the suggestion to oblige on his first run in this sphere.