DE14 Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 16:12 | Winning time: 5m 34.5s

Archie Brown¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls

7/2

Built on previous promise and stayed on well to win at Market Rasen last time handling soft ground in the process. Sure to go close again and has no stamina doubts.

Form: 3-51

Gustavian^t⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Aidan Coleman| T: A J HoneyballWS

2/1

Second in both bumpers prior to making winning hurdles bow over 2m1f at Exeter in January. Undergone wind surgery since and interesting to see how he fares upped in trip after that op.

Form: 221

Eglantier^t⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: M BradstockWS

10/1

Heavy ground Fontwell bumper winner last March and was beaten favourite over C&D on hurdles bow in November. Faded again when fourth at Doncaster in January and having first start since recent wind operation.

Form: 1-45

Espion¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White

6/5

Shaped with a little promise first two starts but much better last time at Sandown in December when third to a subsequent Grade 1 winner. Stayed on well that day and this longer trip looks just what the doctor ordered.

Form: 5-53

Forecasts

Espion (6/5), Gustavian (2/1), Archie Brown (7/2), Eglantier (10/1)

A case can be made for all four runners in a fascinating little race. ESPION is the only maiden among the quartet but shaped like a horse who was crying out for this trip when third to Fiddlerontheroof at Sandown in December. He may prove the value bet. Archie Brown saw it out well when winning over this trip at Market Rasen last time, while Exeter scorer Gustavian handled heavy ground when scoring there over 2m1f and will probably stay the extra three furlongs here. If the wind operation has done the trick then Eglantier may also make his presence felt.