Magners Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:42 | Winning time: 4m 12.10s

Copper Fox¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr

7/2

Runner-up sole outing in points and offered something to work on when filling same spot in a C&D maiden on Rules debut 10 days ago. Should improve.

Form: 2-2

Stony Man¹³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: G Hanmer

4/5

Fair form in bumpers and displayed some promise in a pair of maiden hurdles, including in a warm race at Doncaster (20.8f) on final outing in January. Could have a big say in these much calmer waters.

Form: 634/345-

Tip Top Tonto¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland

3/1

Hinted at ability in bumpers and took a big step forward from his hurdling debut when third in 2m maiden at Plumpton 16 days ago, rallying well late. May do better still and solid claims.

Form: 85/6F-3

Islebriand³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Theo Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D McCain Jnr

25/1

Showed some ability when third in 4-runner bumper at Sedgefield (16.8f, good, 3/1) on NH debut 35 days ago, keeping on gradually. Makes a quick switch to hurdling but Copper Fox looks stable's first string on jockey bookings.

Form: 3-

Dee Eire^h1,t¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: K Brogan| T: G Hanmer

25/1

No better than mid-field in 4 bumpers and jumped awkwardly when well held on C&D hurdles debut. Hooded for 1st time.

Form: 7/568-5

Forecasts

Stony Man (4/5), Tip Top Tonto (3/1), Copper Fox (7/2), Dee Eire (25/1), Islebriand (25/1)

STONY MAN showed enough in a pair of maiden hurdles during the winter to suggest he has a race of this nature in him, so he gets the narrow vote. Tip Top Tonto hasn't been with current connections long and may do better still, while Copper Fox should build on his recent C&D second and can also play a big part in proceedings.