starsports.bet Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 6m 25.10s

Eclair Surf⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| C

5/4

Looked useful when scoring here in November and was thrown in at the deep end in a Grade 2 at Newbury when last seen, fell when beaten; won a point-to-point on heavy so ground ought not be a problem, and is one with a solid chance.

Form: 31-1F

The Jitterbug²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: J J Burke| T: H Fry| OR: 135| D

7/4

Looked a thorough stayer when scoring at Uttoxeter last time (3m, heavy ground) and form of that looks solid enough; likely improver once more and with conditions ideal again, probably the one to beat.

Form: U1-41

Getaround^t²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Bryan Carver⁽⁵⁾| T: Ella Pickard

16/1

Point-to-point and bumper winner to date, and heavy ground holds no terrors for him; probably a bit out of his depth in a Listed bumper at Newbury last time but this is a hot little race to make your hurdles debut in. Best watched.

Form: 21-318

Second Captain⁸⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: James Best| T: R Mitford-Slade

28/1

Looked limited in point-to-points but by no means a bad first effort over hurdles when beaten 8l by the useful Jepeck at Chepstow in December; should handle the ground and with a bit of improvement, chance of a place at least.

Form: P6423-4

Young Buck^t1³⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F NichollsWS

7/2

Purchased for £150,000 at Cheltenham Sales last Match after winning only start in an Irish point-to-point (form not working out as yet); had a wind operation and tongue tie on for debut, and from this yard has to be given plenty of respect.

Form: 1-

Janeslittlevoice^h³²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: David Noonan| T: R G Hawker

100/1

Placed in two point-to-points and fourth to the useful Blackjack Kentucky on hurdles debut at Chepstow in January, fourth and well beaten at the finish but not disgraced; needs plenty more here to beat some useful sorts.

Form: PP-234

Forecasts

Eclair Surf (5/4), The Jitterbug (7/4), Young Buck (7/2), Getaround (16/1), Second Captain (28/1), Janeslittlevoice (100/1)

Young Buck makes his hurdles debut for Paul Nicholls after winning his only start in a point-to-point and he's bred to make a decent chaser in time (plenty of winners in the family) but it's slightly disconcerting to see the tongue tie on in what promises to be testing ground, and preference is for THE JITTERBUG, who looked every inch a stayer when scoring at Uttoxeter last time. He should enjoy conditions and despite having a penalty to carry, the experience will stand him in good stead and he can score again. Eclair Surf also has a penalty for his win here earlier in the season and cannot be ruled out.