EBF Stallions 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 12:50 | Winning time: 3m 51.35s

Ajero^t³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 125| D

10/11

Half-brother to connections' very smart chaser Charbel. Built on a promising hurdle debut second when merely pushed out to see off 12 rivals at Ludlow (2m, good) last month. Useful prospect.

Form: 3-21

Captain Morgs²³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| D

5/6

Second in Warwick bumper on debut and made no mistake when going one better in an Ascot novice hurdle in which his yard has introduced some good horses over the years. Could be smart.

Form: 21

Canastero²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White

50/1

Promise in his 3 bumpers but well held in 2 outings over hurdles this autumn. Fair bit to prove for now.

Form: 4-3300

Forecasts

Captain Morgs (5/6), Ajero (10/11), Canastero (50/1)

Nicky Henderson often runs a good horse in the Ascot novice hurdle CAPTAIN MORGS captured last time so this 4-y-o has to be considered a smart prospect and he's narrowly preferred to Ajero who also looked one with a bright future when scoring decisively at Ludlow last month.