RacingStaffWeek Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 5m 10.78s

Zafar^p1¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Abbie McCain⁽⁵⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 114| BF| D

3/1

Second win of the season when edging out Cardboard Gangster at Kelso in September. Good third in Bangor handicap since but the double penalty might leave him vulnerable.

Form: 44-1213

Cardboard Gangster^p,t³²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 106

9/2

Fair maiden hurdler, running up his best when ½-length second of 4 to Zafar in 21f Kelso novice last month. Meets that rival on 7 lb better terms so he's weighted to reverse the placings.

Form: 3/82-232

Gala De Corton²²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F NichollsWS

9/4

Fair form in bumpers last winter and it's likely this half-brother to Black Corton will have more to come now jumping over longer trips. Has had wind surgery. Big player for top yard.

Form: 306-

Gentleman Valley²³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: B Pauling

11/2

Showed promise on the first of 2 starts in bumpers last season and goes hurdling with his yard among the winners.

Form: 36-

Wild Wilbur

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle

4/1

€46,000 Presenting brother to 2 winners, including useful hurdler Champagne Gold. Dam unraced half-sister to top-class 2m chaser Azertyuiop. Of interest on debut, particularly if betting vibes strong.

Form:

Forecasts

Gala De Corton (9/4), Zafar (3/1), Wild Wilbur (4/1), Cardboard Gangster (9/2), Gentleman Valley (11/2)

A chance is taken on GALA DE CORTON who showed ability in bumpers last term and is bred to come into his own now jumping over a longer trip. Cardboard Gangster is weighted to turn around last month's Kelso form with Zafar so he's feared most unless the betting speaks in the favour of Emma Lavelle newcomer Wild Wilbur.