Ballymore Winter Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 5m 39.22s

Sending Love^t²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 137| D

2/1

Clearly had an issue or 2 given his point win came in 2017 but well prepared to make third Rules start a winning one after 8 months off at Ffos Las (also underwent wind surgery). This asks for more.

Form: 1/3P-1

Star Gate³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: N de Boinville| T: Evan Williams

5/4

Bought for £140,000 after winning sole start in Irish points in February and looked a top prospect when an easy winner of a maiden hurdle at Chepstow in a good time in October. The one to beat.

Form: 1-1

Valleres²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 130| BF| D

5/2

Irish point winner who overcame greenness to land 19.7f Wetherby novice hurdle with plenty in hand on return. Didn't do a lot wrong when second at Ludlow and he remains a good prospect.

Form: 13-12

Non-Runners

Any News²³

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: N P Mulholland J: Sam Twiston-Davies

Press Your Luck²⁰

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: C Gordon J: Tom Cannon

Forecasts

Star Gate (5/4), Sending Love (2/1), Valleres (5/2), Any News (5/1), Press Your Luck (10/1)

A cracking Grade 2 novice in prospect with the exciting STAR GATE the most persuasive option having created a superb impression when landing a deep race in a good time at Chepstow in October. Valleres failed to land the odds at Ludlow but remains one to be positive about and he's second choice.