Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 5m 17.66s

Gentleman At Arms²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds

16/1

Fairly useful Flat stayer who built on a promising debut over hurdles at Huntingdon when scoring back there in the mud on Boxing Day. Good chance he has more to offer in this sphere.

Form: 51

Howdyalikemenow¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 127

16/1

Has made a mighty start for this yard, making it 3 wins in 4 in 2m Ffos Las handicap in the mud 10 days ago. This is tougher, while he also has stamina to prove, but he clearly can't be dismissed.

Form: 52-1101

Party Business¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: C J Todd| T: Ian Williams| OR: 134

3/1

Has made a fine start over hurdles, winning 21.6f Ascot maiden and then falling 2 out when going well in the Challow at Newbury (set to finish third at worst). Could have plenty more to give.

Form: 332-81F

Scipion³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey

10/1

Cost a fair bit and filled the runner-up spot again on hurdles debut at Leicester (20.5f) last month, not lying down behind the promising winner. Had a hard race but he's open to improvement.

Form: 22-2

Stag Horn^p³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: A Watson

10/3

Smart stayer on the Flat (good record in the mud) who impressed when beating a subsequent winner on hurdles debut at Hereford last month. Potentially lots more to come from him in this game.

Form: 1

Surrey Quest^t¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 135| D

4/1

Looking a good prospect having maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles in quite taking style at Doncaster (19.4f, heavy) last month, coming clear with plenty in hand. Lots to like.

Form: 211

Viva Lavilla⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 131

4/1

Won 19.5f Lingfield maiden hurdle in November and built on that when second (albeit held) in Sandown Grade 2 shortly after. Has bags of scope and must be on the shortlist.

Form: 1-12

Forecasts

Party Business (3/1), Stag Horn (10/3), Viva Lavilla (4/1), Surrey Quest (4/1), Scipion (10/1), Gentleman At Arms (16/1), Howdyalikemenow (16/1)

Smart Flat stayer STAG HORN was impressive when beating a subsequent winner on his first go over hurdles 5 weeks ago at Hereford and there could be lots more to come from him in this sphere. The quick step up in grade could be justified and he's selected over Surrey Quest and Viva Lavilla.