GBR Everyone's Turf Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:06 | Winning time: 6m 5.78s

Maximilian²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr

5/2

Successful on his sole start in Irish points and has looked a strong stayer in landing 2 Carlisle bumpers and a 2m4f novice hurdle there last month. Better to come.

Form: 111-1

Dr Kananga^t²⁴³

7/1

Progressive chaser who impressively made all in 26f Chepstow handicap in February before following up with an even bigger performance at Sandown. Just as good when runner-up from 10 lb higher at Exeter on final outing and will be a big threat if transferring that form to hurdles (had breathing op).

Form: 125112-

Fortescue²¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Hugh Nugent⁽³⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 135

13/2

Useful chaser who relished the emphasis on stamina when landing a listed handicap at Ascot (23.8f) in February. Struggling when unseating rider 4 out in Grand National at Aintree on final outing and this could well be a pipe-opener back over hurdles for all he can't be totally ruled out.

Form: 37231U-

Keep Wondering^t²²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 123

40/1

Fairly useful chaser who picked up a second career success at Haydock (21.5f) in December. Good second at Newbury (22.4f) on final outing and merits respect back over hurdles.

Form: 1U/5142-

Saint Palais²³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: David Bass| T: R Bandey| OR: 148| D

5/6

Progressed into a smart chaser last season, winning 4 of his 5 starts. Showed only fairly useful form over hurdles earlier in his career but clearly has scope for much better now.

Form: 2/11141-

Non-Runners

Broadway Boy²⁵

Weight: 10-12| Age: 4

T: N & W Twiston-Davies J: Sam Twiston-Davies

Merveillo¹⁷²

Weight: 10-12| Age: 4

T: J & A O'Neill J: R P McLernon

Forecasts

Saint Palais (5/6), Maximilian (5/2), Merveillo (11/2), Fortescue (13/2), Dr Kananga (7/1), Broadway Boy (7/1), Keep Wondering (40/1)

SAINT PALAIS progressed into a smart chaser last season and has obvious scope for better back over hurdles, especially with his juvenile form looking much better now than it did at the time. The unbeaten Maximilian should have better to come over this even longer trip, while Dr Kananga can't be taken lightly on his hurdling debut having proven most progressive over fences last season.