Thank You NHS Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:34 | Winning time: 5m 18.37s

Cadzand²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 138| BF

10/11

Quickened clear in good style when scoring on Kempton handicap debut (2m, heavy) in December. Failed to land a blow when favourite for the valuable Betfair Hurdle since, but in much calmer waters now.

Form: 32-2110

Only The Bold²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: Evan Williams| OR: 128| CD

10/11

Won completed start in Irish points and did the job well when making it third time lucky over hurdles in a C&D novice (heavy) last month. Further progress possible and should go close.

Form: U1-221

Fantomas³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

33/1

Has shown a fair level of ability in a trio of bumpers, reeled in the closing stages when a close third in 2m Lingfield bumper (2m, AW) last month. This stiffer test promises to suit now hurdling.

Form: 523

Nickle Back¹⁰⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: James Best| T: Mrs S J Humphrey

66/1

Failed to complete sole start between the flags in December, albeit he was disputing the lead when exiting at the second-last. Market should point the way on Rules debut.

Form: F

Maid On Mendip¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Christian Williams

400/1

Comfortably held in a Ffos Las bumper on debut in November and similar story on recent hurdles bow at Wincanton.

Form: 60

Forecasts

Cadzand (10/11), Only The Bold (10/11), Fantomas (33/1), Nickle Back (66/1), Maid On Mendip (400/1)

ONLY THE BOLD meets Cadzand on 4 lb worse terms than he would in a handicap, but there is some substance to his form and he is proven over this trip having opened his account under Rules over this C&D last month. As a former point winner, Cadzand is likely to stay this far and he is feared greatly back in calmer waters after contesting the Betfair Hurdle last time. Fantomas is best of the rest.