Bet At racingtv.com Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 5m 5.71s

Empty Quarter⁵⁸¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Ewan Whillans

20/1

Modest form in bumpers and shaped well having been backed on hurdles debut at Bangor 19 months ago (finished lame). Probably best watched after such a long absence.

Form: 422/5-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Gold Miner¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: B Ellison| OR: 119

17/2

Winning pointer who shaped well when placed in maiden/novice hurdles towards the end of 2020. Probably needed last month's Uttoxeter (23.3f) return on first run since and this should reveal more.

Form: P41/23-P

Loughderg Rocco⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Adam Wedge| T: L Morgan

1/4

Irish point winner who finished runner-up in 4-runner Newcastle novice (22f) on hurdles bow in November. Struggled at Grade 2 level next time but good chance back in calmer waters after a break.

Form: 21-25

Maccloud^t⁵⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Alain Cawley| T: Mrs A Duffield| OR: 107WS

11/2

Point winner who ran best race over hurdles on second start for this yard when third in handicap at Wetherby (2m, heavy) 8 weeks ago, going for home plenty soon enough. Back up in trip after wind op.

Form: 1/507-53

Miss Valentine⁵⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Coltherd| T: W Young Jnr

250/1

Little promise in Ayr bumpers/2m maiden hurdle.

Form: 600

Star Of Markinch⁵³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Ryan Mania| T: H Graham & G Rutherford

100/1

Free and well beaten in 2 bumpers. Up in trip for hurdles debut.

Form: 324/88

Forecasts

Loughderg Rocco (1/4), Maccloud (11/2), Gold Miner (17/2), Empty Quarter (20/1), Star Of Markinch (100/1), Miss Valentine (250/1)

LOUGHDERG ROCCO found the Grade 2 Bristol Hurdle too hot at Cheltenham back in December but didn't disgrace himself and clearly has races in him in this sphere judged on his previous Newcastle effort. Back from a break for an in-form yard, he can strike. Maccloud is the clear danger.