Wessex Internet Full Fibre 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 6m 10.56s

Johnny B²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Joe Anderson⁽⁷⁾| T: C J Down| OR: 115

11/1

Fair and consistent maiden hurdler who was below his best in a 21f Cheltenham handicap on his return 20 days ago. Should bounce back, but others look better treated.

Form: 232-230

Earth Business²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Brendan Powell| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 115

5/2

Lightly-raced maiden who got back on the up with a good second in 5-runner affair at Fontwell (19.2f) on handicap debut 27 days ago. Step up to 3m promises to suit on pedigree, so definite player.

Form: 383-42

Call Simon²²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: David Prichard⁽⁵⁾| T: Nicky Martin| OR: 100

12/1

Fair form only start in bumpers and of a similar level over hurdles. Reappearance effort at Exeter hardly brimming with promise but he's entitled to come on for that first run in 10 months.

Form: 3/353P-0

Don Alvaro^t1²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 97

10/1

Hasn't pulled up any trees in bumpers/over hurdles to this point, but he's a well-made gelding with a smart pedigree and in excellent hands, so could easily improve now handicapping. Tongue tie on.

Form: 02-553

In Rem¹¹^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 10-8| J: Chester Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 90

4/5

Made it 2 from 2 in handicaps for new stable when readily landing 19-runner event at Exeter (21.6f, good to soft) 11 days ago, eased down. Open to further progress, and well in under a 7 lb penalty.

Form: 20/05-11

Big Tree²³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-3| J: David Noonan| T: Simon Earle| OR: 92

50/1

Long-standing maiden who hasn't shown any worthwhile form since 2019 and is now back over hurdles after failing to complete on 3 of his 4 chase starts. Lots to prove.

Form: 7-5P6FF

Forecasts

In Rem (4/5), Earth Business (5/2), Don Alvaro (10/1), Johnny B (11/1), Call Simon (12/1), Big Tree (50/1)

In Rem has returned a much-improved model in handicaps for his new stable this autumn and looks up to completing the hat-trick under a 7 lb penalty with further improvement on the cards. Don Alvaro and Earth Business shouldn't be taken lightly though, particularly the well-bred former, who could prove a different proposition now venturing into handicap company from a lowly mark.