ABP Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:46 | Winning time: 5m 59.9s

Scudamore^p⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Lewis Stones⁽³⁾| T: J Candlish| OR: 102| BF

15/8

Fair winner on Flat who returned from a break to open his account over hurdles in a 19f novice handicap at Stratford in April. Good second at Fakenham since and has leading claims back up in trip.

Form: 5/8431-2

Accompanied^p,t⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Mr Aiden Blakemore⁽⁷⁾| T: Sara EnderWS

150/1

Out of a 2m hurdle winner but well held in varied events on the Flat and pulled up both starts in points (latest May 7). Easily passed over.

Form: P-P

Ballylinch⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: Micky Hammond

5/2

£20,000 6-y-o, Califet gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to fairly useful hurdler (stayed 2¾m) The Sliding Rock out of useful 21f/2¾m hurdle winner Karello Bay. Winning Irish pointer, runner-up last time (Apr 10). Brian Hughes a positive jockey booking and requires a market check.

Form: UR2152-

Man Of Riddles³⁷²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Charlie Hammond| T: M Young

14/1

Fairly useful handicapper on Flat, stays 16.5f, below form final 2 starts in 2022. Sold from David Simcock 35,000 gns.

Form:

San Fermin^t³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 101| C

13/8

Fair bumper winner who hasn't progressed in maiden hurdles but still needs considering in a weak race up in trip.

Form: 132/44-4

Matoury^t²²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-9| J: Aaron Anderson⁽⁵⁾| T: M E Sowersby

25/1

Well held in bumpers and, although he wasn't beaten far on hurdles debut here recently, it was a tactical race and he wouldn't be sure to repeat it.

Form: 058-3

Forecasts

San Fermin (13/8), Scudamore (15/8), Ballylinch (5/2), Man Of Riddles (14/1), Matoury (25/1), Accompanied (150/1)

A poor round of jumping prevented SCUDAMORE following up his Stratford success at Fakenham last time, but this looks a good opportunity to make amends providing his stamina holds out (unproven beyond 2½m). San Fermin is feared most, though a market move for Ballylinch, who has the assistance of Brian Hughes, would be noteworthy.