Racing TV Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:26 | Winning time: 5m 56.01s

Geronimo⁶³⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 120WS

11/2

Made a winning return back in 2019 at Newcastle before posting good third to Vintage Clouds in Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock a month later. Pulled up when last seen 21 months ago and may need this run.

Form: 21P13P/

Houston Texas¹⁸⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards

33/1

Winner at third attempt in Irish points, but has offered little in 3 starts under Rules, latest when tailed-off last on chase bow in May. Back over hurdles for new yard.

Form: 221PP-7

Mister Whitaker^p¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 135| BF

4/9

Established as a useful handicap chaser for Mick Channon (excellent record at Cheltenham) and matched previous expolits in sphere on yard debut when second at Carlisle last month. Leading claims.

Form: P3/660-2

Return Fire^t⁸³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell

9/2

Little show on hurdling bow but showed bit more when third in maiden at Tramore (21.4f, soft) back in August. Has since left Brendan Walsh, and no surprise to see him improve further.

Form: 7P6-73

Soivegotachance¹⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Alain Cawley| T: D Bourke

25/1

Didn't show much in Irish points but much more encouraging signs when 150/1 second on hurdling debut at Perth in May. Tailed off there a month later so must bounce back to figure after a break.

Form: P0/P-24

Brandy Mcqueen²³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Mrs H O Graham

33/1

Twice-raced in bumpers, showing more than first time up after 6 months off when fourth of 11 (20/1) at Carlisle (17.2f, good to firm) last month. Makes hurdles bow but others make more appeal.

Form: 8-4

Court At Slip²⁶²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: T D Easterby

50/1

Court Cave gelding who showed some ability when third of 5 in bumper at Wetherby (16f, heavy) back in February. Market should guide as to expectations on hurdling bow.

Form: 3-

Forecasts

Mister Whitaker (4/9), Return Fire (9/2), Geronimo (11/2), Soivegotachance (25/1), Houston Texas (33/1), Brandy Mcqueen (33/1), Court At Slip (50/1)

This looks to revolve around MISTER WHITAKER, who, on just his fourth outing over hurdles, matched previous exploits in this sphere when edged out only by an unexposed one on return/yard debut at Carlisle. With the cheekpieces back on, he's taken to open his account over timber. Return Fire just shades the vote for the forecast spot, ahead of Soivegotachance.