Cazoo Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:56 | Winning time: 4m 58.25s

Hermes Boy⁶³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Chester Williams⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 122| BF

4/7

Lightly raced 5 y-o who confirmed previous promise when opening his account in ready style in an Exeter novice in December. Form of that is solid and not seen to best effect in a handicap since.

Form: 3-2214

Iontach Cheval⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Alex Edwards⁽³⁾| T: A Ralph

9/1

Bumper winner at the third attempt at Bangor in April. Followed up on return/hurdles debut at Uttoxeter (15.8f) but he looked temperamental at Ludlow a month later.

Form: 601-18

Abegudsam⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Fergus Gregory| T: O Murphy

7/2

Sales price rocketed to £58,000 after winning a point at the second attempt. Fair start under Rules when third at Uttoxeter in January and this step up in trip is sure to suit.

Form: F13

Jubilee Express³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Thomas

17/2

Modest form in a brace of bumpers this winter.

Form: 57

Lighthouse Mill⁶²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁵⁾| T: David Dennis

18/1

£25,000 5-y-o fourth foal, brother to a point winner. Dam unraced half-sister to fair hurdler/smart chaser (17f-2½m winner) Horner Woods. Made frame both starts in points.

Form: 42

Monty's Mission^t¹³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-7| J: James Davies| T: Mrs N S Evans| OR: 92

150/1

Made the frame a couple of times for previous connections in Ireland last year. Low-key start for current yard, though.

Form: 404P7P

Nibbzzy

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: Benjamin Poste| T: Katy Price

150/1

First foal, dam, fair chaser (17f-2½m winner), half-sister to fairly useful chaser (stayed 3m) Perfect Timing.

Form:

Forecasts

Hermes Boy (4/7), Abegudsam (7/2), Jubilee Express (17/2), Iontach Cheval (9/1), Lighthouse Mill (18/1), Monty's Mission (150/1), Nibbzzy (150/1)

Having won a point, ABEGUDSAM displayed plenty of ability over an inadequate 2m at Uttoxeter in January and, now stepped up in trip, an improved showing seems assured. Hermes Bay has to be of interest back in a novice, with Iontach Cheval another to consider.