Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:13 | Winning time: 4m 58.1s

Stage Star³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls

2/7

Highly promising bumper winner who impressively landed odds in 19.4f novice at Chepstow on his hurdles bow 31 days ago, asserting quickly from 2 out. Exciting prospect, and very much the one to beat.

Form: 123-1

Unanswered Prayers²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon| OR: 122

16/1

Made successful hurdling debut at Uttoxeter before taking his form up a notch in 19f Warwick novice, first past the post but demoted for bumping runner-up late on. Highly respected.

Form: 2225-1D

Bumpy Johnson^p1²²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 120

11/2

Yet to add to his Fontwell bumper win, but his form is on the up, excellent runner-up in 2m Newbury handicap on his return. Cheekpieces on now, and he shouldn't be underestimated back over further.

Form: F/1373-2

Le Grand Lion¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: David Bass| T: B Pauling

100/1

Showed fair form in a couple of bumpers and when fourth of 8 in 20f novice hurdle at Wetherby (25/1) 13 days ago. This demands a lot more, however.

Form: 45-P4

Kincardine¹⁸⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson

13/2

Kayf Tara gelding who justified favouritism in 5-runner bumper at Southwell in May, showing signs of greenness but well on top late. Much respected now going hurdling for top yard.

Form: 1

Non-Runners

Paddy Husseys Taxi¹⁵

Weight: 10-12| Age: 5

T: N P Mulholland J: Sam Twiston-Davies

Forecasts

Stage Star (2/7), Bumpy Johnson (11/2), Kincardine (13/2), Unanswered Prayers (16/1), Paddy Husseys Taxi (50/1), Le Grand Lion (100/1)

Paul Nicholls took this contest 12 months ago with Bravemansgame and he looks to have another very exciting prospect on his hands in STAGE STAR who is strongly fancied to add to his sparkling Chepstow victory. Bumpy Johnson's form is on an upward curve and he is rated next best with Nicky Henderson's newcomer Kincardine not taken lightly either in a fascinating opener.