British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:52 | Winning time: 5m 18.30s

Fix Sun^t1²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 137

1/6

Top yard has won this race 3 times in last 8 years. Looks exciting prospect and unbeaten in both hurdles starts since moving over from France. Holds Supreme Novices' entry and surely has to win here to remain on course for that Grade 1 contest.

Form: 21-11

Book Of Invasions⁸¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: P J Brennan| T: J Ryan

11/1

Fair sort placed in Listed bumper last term. Scored at Huntingdon in November on hurdles bow then faded fast on easy ground having looked dangerous 2 out when well beaten at Kempton latest. Going has to be a concern on evidence of latest display.

Form: 1328-19

Fraternel⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King

8/1

Unexposed French bred gelding who shaped with promise on debut for current yard at Plumpton, tiring late on after 366 day absence. Should strip fitter but needs to show more to trouble likely market leader.

Form: 3-5

Leroy Brown⁸⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

20/1

Winning debut in Worcester bumper in September and fair third under penalty time after. Tailed off on hurdles bow on soft at Ffos Las last time, spokesperson saying horse needed sounder surface. Conditions may not be ideal and has a bit to prove.

Form: 13P

Forecasts

Fix Sun (1/6), Fraternel (8/1), Book Of Invasions (11/1), Leroy Brown (20/1)

On everything we've seen so far it is hard to oppose the doubly penalised FIX SUN who looks a decent prospect. Despite his penalties he should have too many guns for the opposition. If the selection fails to run his race Fraternel may prove pick of the remainder and he should be sharper now for a debut spin. Both Book Of Invasions and Leroy Brown appeared to struggle on easy ground last time so there has to be a doubt about them on the forecast going, although the drop in trip may aid the latter.