Betway Challow Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 57.15s

Eclair Surf⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle

16/1

The least experienced of this field (winning Irish point-to-pointer); made a smooth and striking switch to hurdling for his new yard. Looks to have plenty of scope for the future, should enjoy this stern test at the trip, could well outrun his odds.

Form: 31-1

Enrilo²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 141

8/1

Dual bumper winner who scored his second and best win over hurdles at Sandown last time (Grade 2), form not yet tested. This looks an obvious target for him although that was a sub-standard Grade 2, will need to find some more improvement.

Form: 141-151

Stick With Bill^p1³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington| OR: 124

20/1

Cheekpieces on for the first-time having taken a fairly easy opportunity at Chepstow last time (2m4f, heavy). Headgear looks necessary as he went in snatches on his last start, more to come but pitched into deep waters here.

Form: 12-21

The Cashel Man^b²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 143| CD

5/2

Smart Flat performer who is usually ridden from off the pace but appeared to enjoy making the running when taking a C&D handicap last time. May attempt the same tactics here but would need to improve again for last year's winning yard.

Form: 222-11

Thyme Hill⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 147| D

4/6

Third in the Festival bumper (race working out well) he's quickly proved that he's a useful performer over hurdles (2-2). Both wins have come in Grade 2 company (looks a strong stayer), contest looks tailormade for him; leading claims, hard to beat.

Form: 123-11

Forecasts

Thyme Hill (4/6), The Cashel Man (5/2), Enrilo (8/1), Eclair Surf (16/1), Stick With Bill (20/1)

The quintet that are scheduled to face the starter all come here off the back of a win and despite the relatively small field this won’t be an easy race two win. THYME HILL has to be the choice though with his strong bumper form providing a precursor to his unbeaten hurdles record. Given his Cheltenham win he won’t fail through lack of stamina and looks hard to beat. The Cashel Man bolted up over C&D last time in a handicap when given the run of the race and he may seek to repeat those tactics although Éclair Surf also went from the front last time if there was to be a surprise he could provide it. Enrilo is also a Grade 2 winner and adds some depth to the contest.