Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 5m 20.30s

Ginny's Destiny⁵⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey| OR: 133| CD

11/2

Promising bumper winner who stepped up greatly on his hurdles bow when readily landing 11-runner novice over C&D (soft) 59 days ago by 8½ lengths from Mexico. Can do better still and shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 21-41

Givega¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 130

3/1

Winning pointer who has looked an excellent prospect when bagging novice hurdles at Lingfield and Fontwell this winter. Has more to offer over this longer trip and a bold show is very much on the cards.

Form: 1-11

Grey Dawning¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 129| D

9/2

Won 2 Wetherby bumpers last season and he made it 2-3 in this sphere with idling success in 2m5f Kempton handicap 19 days ago. Well in the mix with more to come.

Form: 11-211

Knowsley Road⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 131

7/2

Expensive purchase from points who has looked a bright hurdling prospect when scoring twice over 19.5f at Chepstow this winter, comfortably making all each time. Big player.

Form: 221-11

Mexico³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: C Gethings| T: S Edmunds| OR: 125

12/1

Fairly useful bumper winner who has shown similar form in this sphere, opening his account in 2m4f Southwell novice last month. This demands plenty more, however.

Form: 41/4-321

Moon Hunter¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Adrian Heskin| T: H D Daly| OR: 128

10/1

Winning pointer who went 2-2 over hurdles with tenacious success in 2m3f Doncaster novice 16 days ago. Sure to improve again over this longer trip so he's much respected.

Form: 21-11

Snake Roll¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 126

13/2

Jet Away gelding who has progressed with each of his three runs over hurdles, easily defying a penalty in 2m4f Newcastle novice last month. This is tougher but he can't be discounted.

Form: 342-131

Forecasts

Givega (3/1), Knowsley Road (7/2), Grey Dawning (9/2), Ginny's Destiny (11/2), Snake Roll (13/2), Moon Hunter (10/1), Mexico (12/1)

None of these can be safely ruled out but Paul Nicholls' exciting prospect KNOWSLEY ROAD is taken to maintain his unbeaten record in this sphere at the chief expense of the fellow hat-trick seeking Grey Dawning, who will also be very much at home under these conditions. Ginny's Destiny, Givega and Moon Hunter all merit a close look too in a fascinating Grade 2.