British EBF William Hill Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 5m 55.95s

Threeunderthrufive³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Adrian Heskin| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 139| D

15/8

Winner of first 3 starts in this sphere and wasn't disgraced when sixth of 16 in a Grade 1 novice at the Cheltenham Festival last month. May well resume his progress back in calmer waters here.

Form: 21-1116

Castle Rushen⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 135

4/1

Just touched off by a progressive type when bidding for the hat-trick at Carlisle in February. Subsequent third in a Grade 2 Kelso novice (2¼m) represents strong form and this stiffer test will help.

Form: 12-1123

Deluxe Range^p1³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 123

12/1

Hasn't done much wrong since switched to hurdles, off the mark at Kelso in December and went down all guns blazing in a 2¾m Newcastle last time. More needed up in class here with cheekpieces added.

Form: 4-52132

Lord Of Kerak^t1⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 130

16/1

Struck at third time of asking over hurdles at Uttoxeter (2½m) in December. Just ahead of Deluxe Range when second to a promising type at Newcastle last time, but this is a tougher assignment.

Form: 22182

Ocean Drifter^h³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: O Sherwood| OR: 125| D

22/1

Successful in Fontwell maiden (17.7f) and Southwell novice (20.4f) prior to struggling in a Grade 3 handicap at Sandown (unsuited by heavy ground). Hood refitted and this stiffer test should suit.

Form: 13-211P

Stoner's Choice^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Max Kendrick| T: F O'Brien| OR: 143| C

13/8

Mistakes always there but that hasn't stopped him winning 4 of his 6 starts over hurdles, the latest an Ascot handicap when upped to 21.6f last month. The one to beat.

Form: 211121

Non-Runners

Anythingforlove⁶²

Weight: 10-12| Age: 6

T: Jamie Snowden J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Stoner's Choice (13/8), Threeunderthrufive (15/8), Castle Rushen (4/1), Anythingforlove (7/1), Deluxe Range (12/1), Lord Of Kerak (16/1), Ocean Drifter (22/1)

There may be a tense moment or two owing to his haphazard jumping, but STONER'S CHOICE will ultimately prove a tough nut to crack. He raised his game a notch when scoring at Ascot last month and this step up in trip is unlikely to be a problem. Castle Rushen promises to be suited by this stiffer test and is next on the list, while Threeunderthrufive is also accorded respect.