Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Baring Bingham) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 5m 5.05s

Bear Ghylls⁶⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Matt Griffiths| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 140

15/2

Unbeaten in 4 starts, readily defying a BHA mark of 130 in 2m2f Exeter handicap in January to complete his hat-trick over hurdles. Step up in trip in his favour and shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 1-111

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Bob Olinger⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 150

6/4

Smart novice, making it 2-3 when convincing winner of Grade 1 Lawlor's at Naas (2m4f) by 6½l from Blue Lord. Sure to go well again with more in the pipeline.

Form: 11-211

Bravemansgame⁷⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150| D

4/1

Big improver who completed his hat-trick in fine style in Grade 1 Challow at Newbury (2m4f) by 10l from Star Gate. Top-class prospect and clear pick of the home contingent. Leading claims.

Form: 36-2111

Does He Know^h³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 142| CD

50/1

Point winner who completed quick hat-trick in Grade 2 hurdle over C&D in November. Ran out at Newbury next time and well held in hood on handicap bow at Exeter latest. Very hard to make a case for.

Form: 2-111R8

Gaillard Du Mesnil^h³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 151

9/4

Ex-French gelding who has made rapid progress in his three runs over hurdles, hooded when easily bagging Grade 1 novice at Leopardstown (2m6f) last time. Top prospect with promise of more to come.

Form: 222-211

Keskonrisk^t⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Donagh Meyler| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 140

20/1

Lost his unbeaten record but took his form up a notch when 12½ lengths third of 9 to Appreciate It in Grade 1 at Leopardstown in December. Open to even more progress, so no forlorn hope.

Form: 1-13

Optimise Prime²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: D A Jacob| T: B Pauling| OR: 130

80/1

Bagged a pair of 2m4f novice hurdles at Hereford before Christmas and better form when third in listed race at Market Rasen 24 days ago. This is a totally different ball game, though.

Form: 8113

Forecasts

Bob Olinger (6/4), Gaillard Du Mesnil (9/4), Bravemansgame (4/1), Bear Ghylls (15/2), Keskonrisk (20/1), Does He Know (50/1), Optimise Prime (80/1)

BRAVEMANSGAME, Gaillard du Mesnil and Bob Olinger have all achieved a similar level of form, but it is the first named who edges the vote in a fascinating clash. He's highly regarded and open to plenty more improvement after winning the Challow Hurdle at Newbury in good style.