13:45 Huntingdon

Wednesday 11 March 2020

All13:4514:2515:0515:4516:2517:0517:40

MansionBet GetItReady For Cheltenham Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:46 | Winning time: 5m 22.55s

Castle Robin³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: C E Longsdon

7/1

Winning Irish point-to-pointer who showed ability on his bumper debut and wasn't beaten all that far when 12L seventh in Listed bumper (2m) last month. This is an easier task on hurdles bow. Claims.

Form: 5S-127

Dagueneau³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 124

2/1

Modest sort on the Flat who is starting to get better with each start over timber. Arguably put in best run when 2L second at Ludlow (2m5f) last time out. Down in trip and holds leading claims.

Form: 442

Enchancia³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Luca Morgan⁽⁷⁾| T: B Pauling

14/1

Winner of sole point-to-point in that sphere and made pleasing enough debut over hurdles before pulling up at Uttoxeter (2m7f) last month. Ground likely to suit better in this but has a bit to prove.

Form: 1-3P

Midnight Glance⁸⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Alexander Thorne⁽⁵⁾| T: A King

40/1

Regressed since pleasing enough debut last year and never really showing signs of change. Latest 10th of 11 at Newbury (2m4f) suggests he needs to find plenty in this contest.

Form: 47-00

Prince Llywelyn^t⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

11/4

Sole win came in his bumper start but encouraging in two of his three runs over hurdles, including 6L second at Wetherby (2m3f) in January. Sharper track should play to his strengths and not to be dismissed.

Form: 212-52

Special Buddy¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: J E Moore| T: B Pauling

66/1

Best effort came when runner-up on final start in point-to-points but disappointing on both hurdles starts. Stopped quickly when tailed off fourth at Wincanton (2m5f) last time and has plenty to prove.

Form: 3U2-P4

Torn And Frayed²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Jamie Bargary| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 125

9/4

Already given some lofty tasks over hurdles and generally running with credit. Looked slightly out of his depth when last of four behind Sporting John at Ascot (2m4f) in February. This is easier.

Form: 5-2524

What A Baloo^v1⁷¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: C Gethings| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

100/1

Two-time maiden in bumper contest and failed to land a telling blow. Tailed off most of the way at Warwick (2m) on New Year's Eve and visor is turned to on hurdles debut. Others preferred.

Form: 90

Forecasts

Dagueneau (2/1), Torn And Frayed (9/4), Prince Llywelyn (11/4), Castle Robin (7/1), Enchancia (14/1), Midnight Glance (40/1), Special Buddy (66/1), What A Baloo (100/1)

This race looks tailor-made for a progressive sort to come and strike a blow and that could be the case with DAGUENEAU. His second at Ludlow last time suggested this course should play to his strengths and he seems to be learning with experience. Prince Llywelyn represents a powerful combination and the flatter track should also suit better, while the likes of Torn And Frayed and Castle Robin are dropped considerably in class and it will be interesting to see if their recent efforts have left a mark.