wetherbyracing.co.uk Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:12 | Winning time: 5m 6.9s

Montgomery^t¹¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams

7/1

Showed plenty of ability when runner-up in a Worcester bumper on debut in October 2021. Left Tom Lacey for £100,000 and, fitted with a tongue strap, defied market weakness to go one better on Fontwell hurdling debut a year later. Open to improvement despite subsequent absence.

Form: 2-1

Breakdance Kid⁴⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Tom Midgley⁽⁵⁾| T: P Neville

16/1

Unpromising in points and was well beaten in a Catterick maiden hurdle (19.3f, soft) on Rules debut 49 days ago.

Form: 3P-7

Glory Hights⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Danny McMenamin| T: C Grant

125/1

Shaped as if in need of the experience when well held in course bumper (heavy) on NH debut 50 days ago.

Form: 8

Halpha Soleil⁹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: C O'Farrell| T: Micky Hammond

8/1

Twice-raced over hurdles in France for Mlle D. Mele, better effort when fourth in juvenile at Pau in 2020/21. Landed a 12-runner bumper at Durtal (14.4f) on final start for P. De Chevigny in November. Not dismissed on UK/stable debut.

Form: 415/251

Solar Sovereign⁴⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: T Bulgin

9/4

Point winner who belied 80/1 odds when making a really promising start over hurdles here in December, finishing second. Upped in trip and not in the same form at Uttoxeter but was possibly unsuited by very testing conditions. May bounce back.

Form: 21/28

Technology⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Adrian Heskin| T: A King

1/1

Fair in bumpers and promising start over hurdles when fifth in 15-runner Chepstow maiden (19.5f) over Christmas, every chance when untidy 2 out (running green). In good hands and he's very much the type to improve.

Form: 43-5

Non-Runners

Tara Brooch

Weight: 10-9| Age: 5

T: M Walford J: Jamie Hamilton

Forecasts

Technology (1/1), Solar Sovereign (9/4), Montgomery (7/1), Halpha Soleil (8/1), Tara Brooch (12/1), Breakdance Kid (16/1), Glory Hights (125/1)

The vote goes to TECHNOLOGY, who looks sure to build on an encouraging start over hurdles at Chepstow over the Christmas period. Solar Sovereign was possibly unsuited by conditions at Uttoxeter, so is worth another chance judged on the promise of his hurdling debut here in December. Fontwell-scorer Montgomery also warrants respect under a penalty despite his subsequent absence.