Cazoo Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:52 | Winning time: 6m 54.08s

Barnard Castle³²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Ben Jones| T: Miss R Curtis

40/1

Was in the process of stepping up on his low-key debut effort when unseating rider in a 16.7f Bangor bumper last April. Still, significant improvement is needed now upped in trip for this hurdles bow.

Form: 6U-

Best Trition^t⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Fergus Gregory| T: O Murphy| OR: 114| BF

10/1

Placed twice from 3 starts in Irish points and has shown ability in maiden/novice hurdles, albeit without look especially progressive. Needs to raise his game in order to trouble City Chief.

Form: 4/32-223

City Chief⁶⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: N J Henderson| OR: 127| BF

1/5

Won sole start in Irish points and shaped well on Rules debut in a maiden hurdle at Ascot in December. Turned over when odds on at Doncaster (20.8f) since, but this stiffer test will be in his favour.

Form: 122

Prince Des Fichaux^h1

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Jordan Nailor⁽³⁾| T: S Thomas

7/1

Half-brother to Prouchki, while dam was a 17f-21f hurdles/chase winner. Fact that he sports a hood on debut is a slight concern, but it'll be interesting to see what the market has to say.

Form:

Non-Runners

Master Tradesman⁹³

Weight: 11-8| Age: 11

T: R Mitford-Slade J: Non Runner

Forecasts

City Chief (1/5), Prince Des Fichaux (7/1), Best Trition (10/1), Master Tradesman (33/1), Barnard Castle (40/1)

CITY CHIEF failed to build on the promise of his promising hurdles debut when chasing home Wonderwall at Doncaster in January, but it's unlikely that he faces anything of that calibre here. Moreover, this point winner can be expected to improve now faced with a stiffer test and he is hard to oppose. Best Trition and newcomer Prince des Fichaux can fill the places.