Brown Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Promising sort who won his sole start in bumpers and made a successful debut in this sphere when taking 15-runner novice at Ffos Las (15.8f, heavy, 5/4) 60 days ago, pushed out. Likely more to come and holds leading claims.

Placed both bumper starts and left first 2 hurdles efforts well behind when landing 6-runner novice over C&D in November. Disappointed at Chepstow since but must enter calculations here.

Made fairly encouraging start in Newcastle bumper in December but offered very little on hurdles bow at same course since.

Bought for £50,000 after winning second start in Irish points and built on promising effort in Hereford bumper when second of 11 in novice at Wetherby (16f, soft) on hurdles bow 37 days ago. Step up in trip looks a good move and is one for the shortlist.

Off mark in Irish points at the sixth attempt but well held in pair of novice hurdles for current yard.

Plugged on when remote second of 4 in novice hurdle at Worcester (20f, good) when last seen 9 months ago. Improvement required to figure on return here.

Useful on the Flat (stays 16.5f) and shaped better than the distance beaten suggests tried hurdling when a remote third at Haydock (24.3f) in November. However, offered precious little since.

Off mark in Irish points at fourth attempt in December and worth a check in market on Rules debut here.

Well beaten in bumper at Doncaster (16.6f, good to soft, 33/1) on NH debut last month and can only be watched on hurdles bow.

€3,800 3-y-o, Ask gelding. Dam unraced. Makes NH debut and is likely one for the longer term.