Pertemps Network 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:30 | Winning time: 4m 39.92s

Stoner's Choice^t³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: Max Kendrick⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 127

1/1

Fairly useful bumper winner who has made mistakes over hurdles but that hasn't stopped him landing the odds in a brace of novice events this autumn. Double penalty to carry but this trip will suit,

Form: 1/57-211

Captain Biggles²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy

5/4

Had a wind op prior to a low-key bumper run a year ago and left that level well behind when runner-up om hurdles debut at Wetherby 3 weeks ago. More to come and step up in trip will help.

Form: 5-2

Grand Lord²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: S Edmunds

10/1

Ex-French gelding who showed promise when sixth of 9 to Ocean Wind in listed bumper at Newbury in February. Well held at Cheltenham last month but bred to do better over hurdles.

Form: 36-0

No Anxiety²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: Jamie Snowden

18/1

Presenting gelding out of a classy bumper/2m-19f hurdle winner for yard. Promise both starts 7 months apart but looks one for the longer term.

Form: 5-7

Tunder Strike²⁷⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Charlie Hammond⁽³⁾| T: N Kent

200/1

Second foal, half-brother to fair hurdler The Mad Well (2½m/21f winner). Dam unraced. Point winner, fell last time (Feb 15).

Form: 1633/5F-

Forecasts

Stoner's Choice (1/1), Captain Biggles (5/4), Grand Lord (10/1), No Anxiety (18/1), Tunder Strike (200/1)

CAPTAIN BIGGLES exceeded market expectations when pushing a smart one pretty close on hurdles debut at Wetherby 3 weeks ago and the 12 lb he receives from Stoner's Choice may prove to be decisive.