Smirnoff At Chaplains Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 4m 1.87s

Balkalin^t³¹⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: S Mulqueen| T: M A Barnes| OR: 98

17/2

Modest hurdler and off the track since creditable third of 9 in handicap hurdle at Perth (16.2f) 10 months ago. Needs to hit the ground running.

Form: 490/54-3

Rock Legend¹¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁵⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 112WS

1/3

Promising sort who posted excellent second of 7 in novice hurdle at Ludlow (15.8f) 117 days ago. Since had a wind op, and the one to beat on form.

Form: 4D-32

Royle Steel³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-11| J: Alain Cawley| T: Micky Hammond

7/2

80/1, won 11-runner novice hurdle at Sedgefield (16.8f) 38 days ago. Another step forward is needed if he's to follow up here, though.

Form: 551

Pepite Fleurie¹⁴⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: C O'Farrell| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer

40/1

Runner-up in Kelso bumper before only seventeenth in similar company at Aintree 146 days ago. Makes hurdles debut with a bit to prove.

Form: 20

Non-Runners

Follow Your Arrow²

Weight: 11-0| Age: 6

T: G Bewley J: Non Runner

Limerick Leader²³

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: R Dobbin J: Craig Nichol

Forecasts

Rock Legend (1/3), Royle Steel (7/2), Limerick Leader (4/1), Balkalin (17/2), Follow Your Arrow (12/1), Pepite Fleurie (40/1)

ROCK LEGEND holds the clear edge on form and looks to have been found an excellent opportuntiy to open his account over hurdles here. In-form maiden Limerick Legend appeals as the one to chase home Dan Skelton's 5-y-o, with Sedgefield-scorer Royle Steel the pick of the remainder.