Newton King Estate Agents Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 4m 38.91s

Honneur D'Ajonc¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: Chester Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 122| BF

8/13

Completed simple task when landing 4-runner Hereford novice (19.6f) in October and again ran well when runner-up in a C&D event under a penalty since. Expected to be in the mix again.

Form: 2F9-912

Don Alvaro⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls

12/1

Is well-made gelding with a smart pedigree but limited impact in bumpers/pair of maiden hurdles at up to 22f in recent weeks. However, in excellent hands and handicaps could well be more his bag.

Form: 02-55

Glajou^p²⁴⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 125WS

7/4

Fair ex-French hurdler who improved for switch to chasing last season, successful at Southwell (15.8f) 12 months ago. Below best when last seen but likely player back hurdling following a wind op.

Form: 2413F3-

Rose Kar⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Jack Tudor⁽³⁾| T: Christian Williams

200/1

Well held in bumpers and fared no better when last of 11 on hurdles bow at Chepstow (2m) 8 days ago. Likely to do better over further in time.

Form: 580

Mahanakhon Power^p¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: M Keighley

28/1

Successful twice at up to 11.5f on the Flat for Michael Appleby but no immediate encouragement to glean from yard/C&D hurdles debut last month. Will need to jump better now.

Form: 5

Forecasts

Honneur D'Ajonc (8/13), Glajou (7/4), Don Alvaro (12/1), Mahanakhon Power (28/1), Rose Kar (200/1)

GLAJOU was a fairly useful sort over fences last season and, on the back of a wind operation, he looks worth siding with to come out on top back over hurdles now. Honneur D'ajonc has made a bright return to action and looks the chief threat.