West Wales Raiders EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:32 | Winning time: 5m 1.99s

Happy Du Mesnil¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 113

8/11

Third in a French bumper and plenty of promise on 2 of 3 starts over hurdles, albeit not looking well-served by drop to 2m when third in a Sandown novice for new yard 2 weeks ago. Better to come.

Form: 3-353

Pay The Pilot³⁷³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

11/8

Bred more for stamina than speed but showed change of pace to briefly threaten when second in a Punchestown bumper (20f) 12 months ago. Acquired for £130,000 thereafter and interesting now hurdling.

Form: 2-

We'llgowats⁵³

Age: 7| Weight: 10-9| J: David Noonan| T: L O'Brien| OR: 85

12/1

Lightly-raced maiden under NH rules but yet to better poor form, losing touch from 3 out when distant eighth in 16-runner Fairyhouse maiden (20f) in January. Likely to fall short here.

Form: P/87-58

Non-Runners

Dreams Of Diamonds²⁵

Weight: 11-2| Age: 5

T: P & M Bowen J: S Bowen

Realm Of Glory²⁵

Weight: 11-2| Age: 7

T: Miss V Williams J: Charlie Deutsch

Forecasts

Happy Du Mesnil (8/11), Pay The Pilot (11/8), Realm Of Glory (3/1), We'llgowats (12/1), Dreams Of Diamonds (16/1)

PAY THE PILOT showed plenty of ability when runner-up on his sole start in a Punchestown bumper 12 months ago and, having joined new connections for £130,000 subsequently, he's just the type to make an impact over hurdles and gets the vote. Happy du Mesnil has run to a fair level on 2 of his 3 starts over timber and rates the chief threat back up in trip.