Virgin Bet Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 3m 50.45s

Flic Ou Voyou³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-4| J: Angus Cheleda⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 134| BF| D

2/1

Useful 3-time 2m novice hurdle winner this season. Failed to meet expectations in jumpers bumper last time, but well respected now back over hurdles with assistance of promising 7-lb claimer.

Form: 111325

Straw Fan Jack¹⁰⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Ben Jones⁽³⁾| T: Sheila Lewis| OR: 138

2/1

Progressing nicely over hurdles before the turn of the year, winning a brace of novices either side of a good second on Ascot handicap debut. Arrives here fresh and the one to beat.

Form: 4P-F121

Pasvolsky¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 124| D

6/1

Plenty of experience in points and opened bumper account in determined style at Wincanton. Showed a good attitude to follow up on Fakenham hurdle debut prior to good second at Huntingdon 13 days ago.

Form: 53-2112

Legal Rights⁷⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: James Bowen| T: G & J Moore

33/1

Fair winner on Flat for M. F. Weissmeier in Germany, stays 1¾m, unplaced in claimer last time. Should have a future over hurdles but probably best watched here.

Form:

Royaume Uni⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| D

3/1

Well-bred French Flat winner who showed promise in a pair of juvenile hurdles prior to winning AW bumper/handicap on Flat in good style. Back over timber now and not ruled out.

Form: 741

Voice Of Calm¹⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Brendan Powell| T: Miss E C Lavelle

50/1

Fair Flat winner (stays 1¼m) who is the in the right hands to make it as a hurdler, but this is a tough starting point.

Form:

Forecasts

Straw Fan Jack (2/1), Flic Ou Voyou (2/1), Royaume Uni (3/1), Pasvolsky (6/1), Legal Rights (33/1), Voice Of Calm (50/1)

STRAW FAN JACK and Flic Ou Voyou have achieved a similar level of form, but slight preference is for the former, who arrives here fresh and with fewer miles on the clock.