Follow racingwelfare On Social Media Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:18 | Winning time: 5m 7.07s

Shinobi^t¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 121| BF

7/2

Fair bumper winner and knew what was required returning after wind op to make a successful start in this sphere at Uttoxeter last month. Went backwards from that effort last time so must bounce back.

Form: 140-14

Dark Storm²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Harry Kimber⁽⁷⁾| T: W G M Turner

80/1

Modest in bumpers and hasn't bettered that form in 2 hurdle runs.

Form: 60-675

Golden Gift³⁵⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F NichollsWS

5/4

Well-bred sort who is in good hands and shaped with plenty of encouragement sent hurdling after 9 months off when third of 12 in novice at Chepstow 11 months ago. Player with yard in flying form.

Form: 22/3-

Henri Morgan Parry⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: James Bowen| T: P & M Bowen

200/1

Form: 4670

Honest Exchange¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Adrian Heskin| T: C L Tizzard

15/2

Dual Irish point winner from an excellent jumps family and made a pleasing start under Rules when third in a novice at Exeter 8 months ago. Badly hampered at Exeter on return so worth another chance.

Form: 51213-9

Perfect Predator^v1³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 120| BF

2/1

Bumper winner who is a renowned weak finisher. Back on the up when second at Warwick last month albeit unable/unwilling to quicken past a stoutly-bred rival. Others more reliable.

Form: 7225-42

Non-Runners

Celestial Force¹⁰

Weight: 11-10| Age: 5

T: P F Nicholls J: Bryan Carver

Forecasts

Golden Gift (5/4), Perfect Predator (2/1), Shinobi (7/2), Celestial Force (7/2), Honest Exchange (15/2), Dark Storm (80/1), Henri Morgan Parry (200/1)

GOLDEN GIFT shaped encouragingly on his hurdling debut when third at Chepstow last November, probably just needing the run 9 months on from a couple of solid efforts in bumpers. Provided he's ready to roll, he looks sure to go close here with improvement anticipated. Stablemate Celestial Force looks a major threat following his recent wins, with Shinobi well worth another chance, too.