Betway Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:01 | Winning time: 5m 26.48s

Balagan^t³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: N B King| OR: 117| BF

11/10

Left previous efforts well behind when scoring at a huge price on the back of wind surgery/with a tongue tie fitted at Uttoxeter last month. Unable to match that effort upped to 23.3f 10 days later.

Form: 0PP-12

Rhosneigr^t⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 122WS

3/1

Prone to hanging left but did open hurdles account at Huntingdon in March. Fit from the Flat when disappointing at Southwell last month but he ought to be a big factor in a race like this. Up in trip.

Form: 0231-4

The Mayne Man¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Thomas Dowson| T: P A Kirby

100/1

Showed a bit in bumpers but has been well held all 3 starts over hurdles.

Form: 530-900

Art Approval³⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien

5/2

Fair maiden on Flat in France for Alain Couetil (ran 3 times, gelded after final start), stays 1½m. In very good hands ahead of this hurdles debut.

Form:

Mr Nice Guy³²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: J McGrath| T: C Hobson

16/1

Modest maiden on Flat, stays 1¾m, off 9 months, one of better efforts when third in handicap last time. Stamina won't be an issue now hurdling.

Form:

Forecasts

Balagan (11/10), Art Approval (5/2), Rhosneigr (3/1), Mr Nice Guy (16/1), The Mayne Man (100/1)

In receipt of weight from the previous winners, ART APPROVAL could be the way to go given he displayed ability in 3 Flat races in France and has joined a yard adept at readying hurdling debutants. Balagan and Rhosneigr were a shade disappointing last time but remain the obvious threats.