Haydock Park Welcomes Racing To School Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 3m 53.62s

Bells Express²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlotte Jones⁽³⁾| T: James Moffatt

17/2

Placed on last of 4 starts in points. Offered something to work in his sole bumper and did the same sent hurdling when sixth at Ayr (19.5f) last month, but he isn't sure to be suited by this drop back in trip.

Form: P/76-236

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Jeteye⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Jonathan England| T: S England

9/1

Jet Away gelding. Half-brother to 5 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Shuil Aris, stayed 25f, and fairly useful hurdle Kings Walk. Dam unraced. Runner-up completed start in Irish points, fell next time (Jan 1). Market perhaps best guide to expectations.

Form: 2F

Diamand De Vindecy³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: R Bevis

6/1

Fair performer on the level in France and left his hurdling debut form behind when second of 10 in a maiden at Catterick (17f) last month. More needed in a stronger race here, though.

Form: 02

Fourofakind^p,t¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 109

4/5

Fairly useful 12f maiden on Flat for Johnny Murtagh who has made a promising start over hurdles for his new handler, placed at Taunton and Newbury, including in first-time cheekpieces and tongue strap combination last time. Sets the standard.

Form: 23

V Twelve³²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Tom Cannon| T: E Walker

4/1

Fairly useful form on the Flat, stays 1¼m, improved when off the mark in 10f Windsor handicap in October. Showed some aptitude for hurdling after 4 months off (gelded) prior to unseating his rider at the last (well held at time) in Victor Ludorum over C&D 32 days ago and should improve.

Form: U

Non-Runners

Ballybeg Boss³⁰

Weight: 11-6| Age: 5

T: D McCain Jnr J: Theo Gillard

Greatness Awaits¹⁸

Weight: 10-10| Age: 4

T: B Pauling J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Fourofakind (4/5), Ballybeg Boss (5/2), V Twelve (4/1), Greatness Awaits (4/1), Diamand De Vindecy (6/1), Bells Express (17/2), Jeteye (9/1)

FOUROFAKIND is perhaps not totally straightforward, but he's made a solid start to his hurdle career and is sure to get the right kind of ride at this track, so he's selected to get off the mark. V Twelve could be the danger.