EPS Limited Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 17:15 | Winning time: 5m 44.11s

Neil The Legend²¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Sean O'Briain⁽⁷⁾| T: K Davis| OR: 110

66/1

Below form over fences for Nicky Henderson when last seen in March and hard to fancy back with former trainer.

Form: 48/1PP3-

Tiger Orchid^p1²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-13| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 109

7/1

Dual bumper winner who opened his hurdles account in a Southwell maiden in May. Only had one rival to beat that day, though, and subsequent efforts haven't been overly inspiring. Now tried in cheekpieces.

Form: 2-21325

Fine By Me²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 94| BF

8/13

Made winning start in handicaps at Bangor in July and has hit the frame on both starts since, improving further when second under a positive ride at Perth last time. Strong claims.

Form: 677-142

Fenney Brook²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-4| J: R Patrick| T: H D Daly| OR: 86| C

15/8

Back to form when scoring at Hexham 20 days ago and has tasted success at this track previously, so merits consideration in a thin race.

Form: 6-12P71

Non-Runners

Spike Jones²²⁵

Weight: 11-11| Age: 5

T: S Drinkwater J: Danny Burton

Forecasts

Fine By Me (8/13), Fenney Brook (15/8), Spike Jones (7/2), Tiger Orchid (7/1), Neil The Legend (66/1)

FINE BY ME is going the right way and put up a good effort in defeat at Perth last time, so he's a solid choice to get his head back in front as he continues to progress. Spike Jones signed off last season with a win and is unexposed as a stayer, so he looks a clear threat, while fellow last-time-out winner Fenney Brook can't be discounted.