Mason Arms Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:00 | Winning time: 4m 33.97s

Gaulois^p²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Buckley⁽³⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 110| C

1/4

Showed definite promise over hurdles last year and dispelled a couple of lesser displays to come out on top in a maiden here (21.5f) in May, that despite a less-than-convincing round of jumping. Similar form when third back in handicap company 3 weeks ago and he's fancied to be in the mix.

Form: 2/3P0-13

Mankhool^t²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: C Gethings| T: A Ralph| OR: 109

7/1

Off the mark at the fourth attempt over hurdles at Thurles in March but has failed to kick on from that, tailed off on first start since leaving Denis Hogan after a couple of months off at Uttoxeter 3 weeks ago. Tough to make a case for on that evidence.

Form: 1740-96

Heronord²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Mr Lewis Gordon⁽⁷⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 101

9/2

Long-standing maiden who put in a rather typical performance when fourth over fences at this track last month, keeping on gradually. Back down in trip/over hurdles and likely to find a couple too strong.

Form: 3P2-444

Non-Runners

Nibras Gold²⁵

Weight: 11-3| Age: 4

T: D Pipe J: David Noonan

Kanukankan⁴⁵

Weight: 11-2| Age: 7

T: P Hobbs & J White J: T J O'Brien

Forecasts

Gaulois (1/4), Nibras Gold (11/8), Heronord (9/2), Kanukankan (6/1), Mankhool (7/1)

A few in with chances but NIBRAS GOLD has made a bright start to his hurdling career and he gets the nod to supplement his recent success at Worcester with further improvement on the cards. Gaulois shed his maiden tag at this track in May and he's sure to give the selection plenty to think about back in novice company, while Kanukankan also has the ability to feature provided he's learnt to race more efficiently.