In Loving Memory Of James Storey Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 19:41 | Winning time: 4m 2.8s

Bathiva¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 122| BF| D

4/11

Useful chaser who posted creditable third at Uttoxeter (16f, good) 16 days ago, finding less than looked likely. Placed in maiden hurdles earlier in career and holds leading claims returned to this sphere.

Form: 4441-53

Buford^t1²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: M Walford

66/1

Modest handicapper on Flat, stays 1¼m, well held last time. Tongue tied for hurdles debut and looks up against it.

Form:

Keeper^p1³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Nick Scholfield| T: P & J Clutterbuck

50/1

Fair at best for Roger Charlton on Flat (stays 1½m) but well below form in 2022, so probably best watched on hurdles debut fitted with first-time cheekpieces.

Form:

Konfusion²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Danny McMenamin| T: J Parkinson & S Smith

8/1

Schiaparelli gelding who showed ability when third of 8 in a Market Rasen bumper (16.6f, good to firm) on NH debut 25 days ago, running on. Makes a quick switch to hurdling and can't be dismissed.

Form: 3

Lusaka²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy

10/3

Fairly useful maiden on Flat, stays 11f. Sold from John Joseph Murphy for 20,000 gns and showed an aptitude for hurdling despite racing freely when fourth at Perth (16.2f) 24 days ago. Should improve.

Form: 4

Non-Runners

Trolley Boy²⁰⁶

Weight: 10-12| Age: 4

T: N P Mulholland J: Sam Twiston-Davies

Forecasts

Bathiva (4/11), Trolley Boy (5/2), Lusaka (10/3), Konfusion (8/1), Keeper (50/1), Buford (66/1)

TROLLEY BOY made his second bumper start a winning one at Newcastle in December and has the size for jumping, so he's taken to follow up on this switch to hurdling for a new stable (sold from Edward Bethell for 50,000 gns). Useful chaser Bathiva has to be feared back over hurdles, while Lusaka should improve on his opening effort in this sphere at Perth and can also be a factor.