Thames Materials Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 4m 48.12s

Odds by:

Live Odds

Odds

Master Debonair

11/8, 5/4, 11/8

5/4

Sporting John

11/8, 6/4, 11/8, 11/8, 6/4, 11/8

6/4

Pipesmoker

9/2, 4/1, 9/2, 4/1, 9/2, 5/1, 9/2, 5/1

9/2

Torn And Frayed

22/1, 25/1, 22/1, 25/1, 20/1, 16/1

14/1

SP Book Percentage 109.29

Forecasts

Master Debonair (5/4), Sporting John (6/4), Pipesmoker (9/2), Torn And Frayed (14/1)

The exciting Sporting John defends his unbeaten record, while Nicky Henderson's Pipesmoker demonstrated obvious signs of ability when finishing third on his hurdles debut at Cheltenham (form franked since). However, the form standard is undoubtedly set by the ultra-talented MASTER DEBONAIR. He was always in full control when taking the scalp of the Nicky Richards-trained Ribble Valley (fourth placed McFabulous a winner since) in a strong looking Grade 2 Kennel Gate Hurdle here prior to Christmas. By Yeats out of the 2m-2m5f hurdle winner Swincombe Flame there's no reason whatsoever to envisage a scenario where he's troubled by stepping up in trip.