William Hill Bookmakers Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 3m 52.14s

Clody Flyer²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 109| D

1/6

Point winner in December who made the most of a good opportunity with something to spare to get off the mark second time up in this sphere at Uttoxeter (15.8f, soft) just over 3 weeks ago. Should take all the beating.

Form: 72P12-1

Ivynator²⁵⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Bruce Lynn⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J C McGregor| OR: 82

33/1

Fairly useful Flat performer but lightly raced over hurdles and yet to match that form. Beat only one in course novice (20.9f, good) in September and hard to warm to on his return.

Form: 44/P55-

Jad Mahal^t¹⁴⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Conor Rabbitt⁽⁷⁾| T: M A Barnes

80/1

Limited impact for Alan King, including on his hurdle debut and it was a similar story on first outing for his new stable at Musselburgh (15.6f, soft) 5 months ago.

Form: 6P-

Melvich Bay¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Henry Brooke| T: D Brooke| OR: 80

4/1

Failed to kick on following a promising start in bumpers and showed little in trio of novice/maiden hurdles. However, she ran her best race when fifth in handicap at this course (20.9f, good to soft) earlier this month so she looks the obvious one for the forecast.

Form: 444/06-5

Butterfly Island²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-3| J: J Kington| T: L Bailey

28/1

Fairly useful maiden at best on Flat (stays 1m) but has offered little on both starts for current yard. Makes hurdling debut and worth a market check.

Form:

Forecasts

Clody Flyer (1/6), Melvich Bay (4/1), Butterfly Island (28/1), Ivynator (33/1), Jad Mahal (80/1)

CLODY FLYER had plenty up his sleeve when scoring at Uttoxeter just over 3 weeks ago and this looks a gilt-edged chance for Donald McCain's charge to make it 2-3 under Rules. Melvich Bay is preferred over Butterfly Island for the forecast spot.