Hereford Racing Club Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:52 | Winning time: 5m 18.93s

Nickelsonthedime¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Mr Joshua Newman⁽⁷⁾| T: K Woollacott| OR: 113

5/1

Dual point winner who was placed on 3 of his 4 completed starts in maiden/novice company last term. However, little impact on return/handicap bow at Newton Abbot (21.6f) and now has a bit to prove.

Form: 233F4-6

Steinkraus¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 107

9/4

Improved performer switched to handicaps of late, going close at Carlisle prior to opening his account at Ayr (19.5f). 7 lb rise tolerable and this stiffer test could help unlock further improvement.

Form: 6/5-3721

Hidden Depths^p,t²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 103| CD

5/2

Successful twice on the Flat this year and got the job done at the tenth attempt in this sphere when striking over C&D last month. Should cope with a 4 lb rise and he has to enter calculations.

Form: 6424-81

Wrong Way Harry⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 102

9/1

Has made the frame on a few occasions in handicap hurdles for Michael Winters this year, finding just one too good at Listowel (2½m) last time. Still, step forward needed on British/stable debut.

Form: P63402

Cry Wolf^p²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-3| J: Ben Bromley⁽⁷⁾| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 90

7/2

Four-time Flat winner who belied odds of 50/1 when striking for the first time over hurdles at Worcester (23f) in August. Placed both subsequent starts and likely to be on the premises once again.

Form: 485/132

Spiritus Mundi⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: Mr Jason Dixon⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs N S Evans| OR: 86

50/1

Limited impact over hurdles to date, again beaten a long way when last of 3 in a Newton Abbot (21.6f) maiden in September. Looks set for another struggle.

Form: 00P/69-3

Forecasts

Steinkraus (9/4), Hidden Depths (5/2), Cry Wolf (7/2), Nickelsonthedime (5/1), Wrong Way Harry (9/1), Spiritus Mundi (50/1)

STEINKRAUS is now firmly on the right path, showing much-improved form in handicaps the last twice, latterly scoring in good style at Ayr. This 7 lb higher mark looks manageable, particularly given his obvious scope for further progression now moving up in trip. Following a lengthy spell away from this sphere, Cry Wolf has returned to hurdles in good order and is next best ahead of Hidden Depths.