Royal Ascot Racing Club Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 5m 28.04s

Getalead²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: David Prichard⁽⁵⁾| T: Claire Harris| OR: 112

5/4

Progressive type who showed a great attitude to narrowly prevail (and complete a double) at Warwick 2 days ago. He's unlikely to take his chance in this, however.

Form: 594-211

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Baddesley²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 111| BF

10/3

Fontwell bumper winner who showed an aptitude for hurdling on both starts in novices last month. This extra emphasis on stamina should suit and an opening mark of 111 could prove lenient.

Form: 214/32

Hidden Depths^p,t¹⁰^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 103| D

9/2

Successful twice on the Flat this year and is now firmly on the up as a hurdler, completing a Hereford double without coming off the bridle 10 days ago. Might have to work harder for the hat-trick.

Form: 424-811

Thirtyfourstitches³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Cillin Leonard⁽⁵⁾| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 101| D

10/3

Likeable front-runner who made it three for the season when making a successful debut for his current yard at Fontwell a month ago. Should put up another bold bid.

Form: 9-16171

Dragoon Springs³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: Nick Slatter⁽⁵⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 96

16/1

Fair form in a couple of bumpers and promise in a trio of hurdling outings. Promises to be well suited by this longer trip, so not a forlorn hope.

Form: 42-765

Duration^p¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: M Goldstein| T: J R Jenkins| OR: 86

150/1

Modest, temperamental stayer on the Flat who is yet to offer much encouragement over hurdles. Easily opposed.

Form: 688/P

Non-Runners

Delgany Monarch²

Weight: 11-12| Age: 6

T: R Rowe J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Getalead (5/4), Thirtyfourstitches (10/3), Baddesley (10/3), Hidden Depths (9/2), Dragoon Springs (16/1), Delgany Monarch (20/1), Duration (150/1)

BADDESLEY placed in a couple of novice hurdles last month and, based on his bumper form, he may well be leniently treated off an opening mark of 111, so he's marginally preferred to the hat-trick seeking Hidden Depths, who is unlikely to dig in if he's made to battle. Thirtyfourtstitches also warrants a mention and, in the unlikely event of Getalead participating, he'd warrant plenty of respect.