Watch On Racing TV Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 52.6s

Hermino AA¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 123

11/8

Runner-up sole outing in bumpers and confirmed hurdling debut promise when a ready winner of a Plumpton maiden (20.5f) in January. Further progress when second on Sandown handicap debut since and is very much the one to beat.

Form: 2312

Georges Saint⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 115| D

11/4

Dual chase winner in France who produced his best effort yet on these shores when second in a 19.6f Bangor handicap hurdle on return in November. Filled same spot both starts since, including when no match for a bright prospect at Leicester (20.5f) last time. Respected.

Form: 350-222

Hauraki Gulf³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Chris Ward⁽³⁾| T: Deborah Cole| OR: 116| C

7/4

Fair bumper winner and has shown a similar level of form over hurdles, encouragingly backing up his reappearance effort when second in 23.3f maiden at Uttoxeter last month, rallying well. Isn't sure to be suited by this drop back in trip, though.

Form: 142-22

Hitthekettle¹²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: M Gates

200/1

Took 7 tries to win an Irish point and has offered little both starts under Rules (maiden/novice).

Form: 6841-P9

Mahler Moon^t1³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

80/1

Well held in 2 bumpers and probably one for later on. Sports a first-time tongue tie on hurdle debut.

Form: 58

Non-Runners

Riskintheground¹⁴

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: D Skelton J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Hermino AA (11/8), Hauraki Gulf (7/4), Georges Saint (11/4), Riskintheground (4/1), Mahler Moon (80/1), Hitthekettle (200/1)

A quick turnaround is a slight niggle for HERMINO AA after such a big effort at Sandown, but assuming he's over those exertions, then he really ought to be winning this. Georges Saint is exposed as a hurdler now but can still provide the main threat.