British EBF BetVictor Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 5m 51.17s

Makin'yourmindup⁶⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Lorcan Williams| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 133| D

13/8

Likeable sort who enhanced a good strike rate under Rules when landing the Presige Novices' at Haydock a couple of months ago. Penalised for it but another bold showing seems likely.

Form: 62-1121

Carnfunnock⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: D A Jacob| T: S R B Crawford| OR: 123

9/2

Fairly useful hurdler who upped his game to score at Naas last time. Should get the longer trip and is likely to give another good account.

Form: 8-11241

Giovinco³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: S Mulqueen| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| D

10/1

Off the mark at third attempt between the flags in November and has easily won his first two starts over hurdles. Open to improvement and worth a try at this level for all that he has something to find.

Form: 5F-111

Hitching Jacking³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 132| BF

13/2

Already a dual winner over hurdles and arrives on the back of another likeable performance when second at Uttoxeter 39 days ago. Promises to be suited by this trip and could take the beating.

Form: 23-2112

Hurricane Bay¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Bryony Frost| T: L Wadham| OR: 135

9/2

Showed fair form in bumpers and upped his game since sent hurdling, his standout effort coming when third in the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster in January. Made the most of good opportunity at same course since and faced a stiff task at the top level at Aintree last time. Respected.

Form: 21331P

Regal Blue⁹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J & A O'Neill

11/2

Easily off the mark at the second attempt in points and readily landed his first start under Rules at Ffos Las. Open to improvement and looks a big player up in grade.

Form: 4-11

Forecasts

Makin'yourmindup (13/8), Hurricane Bay (9/2), Carnfunnock (9/2), Regal Blue (11/2), Hitching Jacking (13/2), Giovinco (10/1)

HITCHING JACKING shaped as if a step up in trip would suit when an excellent second over 19.9f at Uttoxeter last time and he gets the narrow vote in what looks set to be a well-contested listed event. Makin'yourmindup is a danger and Regal Blue can't be ignored with improvement on the cards.