Virgin Bet Mares' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:09 | Winning time: 5m 7.18s

Karlie²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Luca Morgan⁽⁵⁾| T: M Scudamore| OR: 119

6/4

Point/bumper winner who landed a 16.7f mares' maiden on hurdles debut in October. Not disgraced when fourth off a steady gallop at Newbury since and she rates a likely player in this line up.

Form: 1/156-14

Annies Regatta²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Henry Brooke| T: W Coltherd

33/1

Big prices and comfortably held in a trio of bumpers spread over 11 months. Needs to step up for switch to hurdling now.

Form: 57-4

Becky The Boo²³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien

3/1

Fair winner in bumpers who was unsuited by the way the race developed when last of 5 on hurdles debut at Newbury (16.3f) recently (Karlie placed fourth). Longer trip promises to suit now.

Form: 417-35

Nextdoortoalice¹⁴⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Harry Bannister| T: A M Hales| OR: 112

13/8

Mahler mare who progressed with each start in mares' maiden hurdles for Declan Queally in Ireland, keeping on for second over 20f at Bellewstown in July. May do better again for new yard.

Form: 4-32

The Sumba Island¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: R P McLernon| T: L Morgan

33/1

Authorized half-sister to temperamental but useful hurdler/chaser Riguez Dancer. Hinted at ability when fifth in a Fakenham bumper 11 days ago but needs to step up on that now hurdling.

Form: 5

Forecasts

Karlie (6/4), Nextdoortoalice (13/8), Becky The Boo (3/1), The Sumba Island (33/1), Annies Regatta (33/1)

A winner over hurdles at Exeter in October, KARLIE was unsuited by the steady gallop when fourth under a penalty at Newbury 23 days ago, albeit not given a hard time when her chance had gone. This longer trip promises to suit and she can get back on track. Nextdoortoalice, on debut for Alex Hales, and Becky The Boo head up the dangers.