Virgin Bet EBF Mares' 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:46 | Winning time: 4m 40.15s

Fairy Gem^p,t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: H Fry| OR: 109

15/2

Placed twice at listed level in bumpers last season but has been underwhelming so far over hurdles, taking advantage of a weak race to get off the mark at the third attempt at Hereford prior to finishing well held under a penalty at Wincanton.

Form: 23-6417

I Am Gonna Be²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Benjamin Poste| T: M Scudamore| OR: 110

9/2

Bumper winner who confirmed her hurdling debut promise upped in trip when landing 7-runner maiden at Newcastle (20.2f) in ready fashion in November. Built on that tried in a handicap when second at Musselburgh 12 weeks later and may do better still.

Form: 218-212

Ilovethenightlife²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 115

2/1

Made a successful hurdles debut at Ffos Las in October and built on that at the second attempt when third in a listed event at Taunton (16.5f) in December. Unseated 4 out at Wincanton last time. Remains of interest.

Form: 40-153U

Moviddy¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: R T Dunne| T: Noel Williams| OR: 110| D

13/8

Irish point winner at the second attempt who confirmed the promise of her hurdling debut in fine style when quickening clear in 8-runner novice at Lingfield (19.5f) 17 days ago. Open to further progress.

Form: 31-31

Mrs Grimley¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Luca Morgan| T: B Pauling| OR: 106

10/1

Fair bumper winner who has shown similar form over hurdles, opening her account at the third attempt in a Ffos Las novice. Not disgraced when third on handicap debut at Leicester but shaped as if amiss when pulled up back in novice company at Market Rasen 10 days ago.

Form: 13213P

No Word^h⁷³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: C E LongsdonWS

66/1

Won her sole outing in points but has been pulled up on both her outings over hurdles. Has had a breathing operation since her latest start.

Form: 1-PP

Forecasts

Moviddy (13/8), Ilovethenightlife (2/1), I Am Gonna Be (9/2), Fairy Gem (15/2), Mrs Grimley (10/1), No Word (66/1)

MOVIDDY showed a good turn of foot to seal matters approaching the last at Lingfield 17 days ago and looks the sort to go on improving given she's just 2 runs into her Rules career, so is preferred to the slightly more exposed pair Ilovethenightlife and I Am Gonna Be.