JM Construction 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| D

Failed to win in 4 bumpers but he did achieve a decent level of form and he proved up to making a successful start over hurdles in novice company at Taunton in November, edging out a Nicholls odds-on shot. Disappointing when well beaten at Kempton last time but could bounce back after a small break.

Form: 239-416

Blueberry Wine^t²⁹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Theo Gillard⁽³⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 106| BF

Fair dual winner over fences last season but he'd shown just modest form over hurdles prior to that, so improvement needed if he's to trouble the principals.

Form: 813313-

Commanding View⁷⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Alex Edwards⁽³⁾| T: Mrs M Rowley

Is a half-brother to fairly useful 2½m hurdle winner Pull Again Green but has shown just minor promise in a brace of bumpers.

Form: 37

Dunstall Rambler³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: T R George

Walk In The Park gelding who shaped like a stayer on his sole outing in bumpers at this venue. Upped in trip and offered little on Chepstow hurdling debut, though.

Form: 69

Invictus Allen⁶⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: Christian Williams

€6,000 3-y-o, £30,000 4-y-o, Great Pretender gelding. Half-brother to 2 winners, including bumper winner/fairly useful hurdler in France Baleze Allen. Placed on second of 2 starts in Irish points (Dec 4). Market best guide to expectations.

Form: 53

Mix Master¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: Katy Price

Well held in a brace of novice hurdles.

Form: P3-00

One Man Party³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: D G Bridgwater

Related to plenty of winners but has shown little in a maiden/novice hurdle.

Form: 0P

Passionate Pursuit⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King

Fourth in a Chepstow bumper on Rules debut and stepped up on that when just touched off in a Wincanton maiden hurdle (15.2f) in November. In the process of confirming that promise (likely to have won) when unseating her rider soon after 2 out back there on Boxing Day. Can make amends here.

Form: 2-42U

Forecasts

Passionate Pursuit (8/13), Mamoon Star (7/2), Blueberry Wine (8/1), Invictus Allen (10/1), Commanding View (12/1), Dunstall Rambler (33/1), One Man Party (100/1), Mix Master (100/1)

PASSIONATE PURSUIT was in the process of confirming her hurdling debut promise when coming down at Wincanton on Boxing Day and this looks a good opportunity to make amends. Mamoon Star had looked quite promising at Taunton prior to disappointing at Kempton, so can give the selection plenty to think about if bouncing back.