Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:17 | Winning time: 4m 57.51s

Bothwell Bridge²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

15/8

Useful bumper form before easily landing odds on hurdles bow in 19f Warwick novice, jumping fluently and well on top at finish. Lots more to offer and yard have good record in this so a big player.

Form: 22-1

Bravemansgame²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 131

8/11

Has made a most promising start over hurdles, and wide-margin winner of 2m novice at Exeter 24 days ago. Sure to progress further over this longer trip so another very bold showing is on the cards.

Form: 1/36-21

Es Perfecto²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A King| D

14/1

Winning pointer who got off the mark at first attempt over hurdles in 21f Warwick novice before falling 2 out (held in fourth) at Exeter 24 days ago. May do better still but he needs to here.

Form: 4S13-1F

Real Stone^t³³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-3| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

16/1

Had wind op before 50/1 winner of novice at Aintree (20f, good to soft) on hurdles bow 33 days ago, leading near finish. This is tougher but likely to do better so much respected for good yard.

Form: 7-1

Diocletian^h¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Page Fuller| T: A M Balding

22/1

Useful Flat-winning stayer who (hooded) shaped encouragingly on hurdling bow when fourth of 12 in 2m novice at Taunton having been very keen in steadily-run race. Step up in trip will suit so claims.

Form: 4

Forecasts

Bravemansgame (8/11), Bothwell Bridge (15/8), Es Perfecto (14/1), Real Stone (16/1), Diocletian (22/1)

Some interesting novices on show and Paul Nicholls' impressive Exeter scorer BRAVEMANSGAME is given the nod with this step up in trip sure to show him in an even better light. Nicky Henderson has an excellent record in this contest so his Warwick winner Bothwell Bridge rates a massive threat though, while Aintree-victor Real Stone and useful Flat stayer Diocletian can't be easily ruled out either.