Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Novice Stakes

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 1m 28.98s

(2)

Blame The Farrier¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: Phil Dennis| T: D Thompson

80/1

Modest form in bumpers and little impact in maiden/handicap hurdles. No impression on his Flat debut in March, but showed a bit more when 3¾ lengths eighth of 9 in minor event at Pontefract (6f, heavy) 19 days ago. Still up against it on these terms.

Form: 88

(6)

Cresta De Vega⁶⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R M Beckett| OR: 72| BF

9/4

After 15 months off (gelded), ran best race when second in minor event at Lingfield (7f) in January. Failed to meet expectations when fifth in handicap at the same course (1m3f) the following month, but could still have more to offer back down in trip.

Form: 69/25

(3)

Mahanakhon²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: D Allan| T: T D Easterby| OR: 75

16/5

Placed all 3 starts last year, running to a fairly useful level when runner-up at Hamilton on his second outing. Shaped as if needing run after 11 months off (gelded) when fourth in minor event at Redcar (1m, soft) 20 days ago, so could fare better this time.

Form: 323-4

(4)

Trueman³⁶⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara

11/2

Made appeal on paper, but easy to back (10/1) when finishing sixth of 10 in maiden at Yarmouth (1m, good to firm) on debut. Off 12 months (gelded) ahead of first run for yard after leaving William Haggas. Should improve at some point.

Form: 6-

(5)

Westernesse²²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Jason Watson| T: D O'Meara| OR: 77| BF

7/4

Placed on last 4 starts in 2022, again running creditably (in first-time cheekpieces) when third of 16 in maiden at Listowel (1m good to soft) in September. Can get off the mark on first run for yard after leaving Dermot Weld.

Form: 042223-

(1)

Flash Bulb^p1,t1¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Jason Hart| T: K Scott| OR: 67

80/1

Maiden on the Flat (leaving Joseph Patrick O'Brien after third start) and has offered little in a pair of novice hurdles this year, having a wind op prior to latest outing. Tongue strap/cheekpieces on first time as she switches back to the level.

Form: 5/9348-

Forecasts

Westernesse (7/4), Cresta De Vega (9/4), Mahanakhon (16/5), Trueman (11/2), Flash Bulb (80/1), Blame The Farrier (80/1)

WESTERNESSE held his form well last season when trained by Dermot Weld, placing on his last 4 starts, and he looks the one to beat on his first outing for David O'Meara. Mahanakhon can fare better with his reappearance run behind him and is feared most, ahead of Cresta de Vega.