Weatherbys Stallion Book Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:05 | Winning time: 6m 20.68s

Butch¹⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 124| BF

8/11

Took another significant step forward when opening account in 5-runner novice hurdle at Uttoxeter (19.9f, soft) in March, finding extra headed briefly run-in. Ran at least as well in defeat on Wetherby handicap debut (21.1f) next time and remains open to improvement with 3m likely to suit.

Form: 2/7212-

Destroytheevidence¹³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 123

9/4

Fair in bumpers and showed improved form to get off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles in 5-runner novice at Worcester (23f, good to soft) in May, despite again hinting at temperament. Ought to be competitive under a penalty.

Form: 53-31

Kayce Dutton⁸¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: R T Dunne| T: C & A Pogson| D

22/1

Unpromising in points/bumpers but proved a different proposition sent hurdling up in trip when landing 15-runner maiden at Cork (24f, good to soft) 81 days ago, always holding on. Left Ms Margaret Mullins for £15,000 in August.

Form: 0/UP6-1

Tzarmix¹⁹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Max Kendrick| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 116

15/2

Improved again to get off the mark in 10-runner novice hurdle at Chepstow (19.4f, good to soft) in March, well on top finish. Off 6 months. Up in trip. First run for yard after leaving Sam Thomas for £70,000.

Form: U31-

Private Pike⁵¹⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

18/1

Pether's Moon gelding. Dam (c69/h105), 19f hurdle winner, half-sister to fairly useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 3½m) Indifference Curve. Saddle slipped up home turn in a Worcester bumper on debut. Off 17 months. Upped markedly in trip for hurdle bow.

Form: S-

Non-Runners

Cheltenam De Vaige²³

Weight: 11-7| Age: 11

T: F O'Brien J: Tom Broughton

Forecasts

Butch (8/11), Destroytheevidence (9/4), Cheltenam De Vaige (7/1), Tzarmix (15/2), Private Pike (18/1), Kayce Dutton (22/1)

BUTCH was very much going the right way over hurdles towards the end of last season and, with the step up to 3m likely to suit on his return, this looks a good opportunity for him to resume winning ways. Tzarmix rallied well to get up in the closing stages at Chepstow in March and may do better still for his new yard, especially over this sort of trip, with Destroytheevidence capable of making his presence felt, too.