UKO Serviced Offices Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 5m 57.43s

Doughmore Bay¹⁵⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| C

11/8

Every chance when departing at the final fence on sole start in Irish points and made a winning start under Rules in a 2½m novice here in May, proving 2 lengths too strong for the re-opposing Ikarak. More will be needed under a penalty but he's completely unexposed.

Form: F-1

Diesel D'Allier^t²¹¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Bannister| T: R Bandey| OR: 132

28/1

Useful chaser on the cross-country circuit but well below his best in 2 appearances last term and it's hard to know what to expect of him back hurdling following a 7-month absence.

Form: 6314/0P-

Ikarak^p¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Reed| T: M F Harris| OR: 120

11/4

Fairly useful form in France (winning chaser) but jumped erratically when failing to beat his sole rival in a handicap at Fontwell on British/stable debut in April. However, twice runner-up in this sphere since, including with first-time cheekpieces added here last month, and he's a major player.

Form: 2F12-22

Isle Of Gold²⁰⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: C Gethings| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

10/1

Runner-up sole start between the flags and bettered his low-key Rules debut when fourth of 9 in a Chepstow maiden upped to 23.6f in March. Best days are surely ahead of him but will probably find one or two too good here all the same.

Form: 294-

Kick Up A Storm^t³⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| BFWS

12/1

Cost £78,000 as a 3-y-o and he's a half-brother to 17f bumper winner Erins Benefit. Failed to measure up to market expectations on debut in a Wincanton bumper last November but surely capable of better for top yard now switched to hurdles. Has undergone a wind op.

Form: 6-

Mullys Choice³³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

7/2

Appealing jumps pedigree and picked up for £60,000 after finishing second in a maiden point last November. Joined good yard and interesting to see what the market has to say.

Form: 2-

Outside Adesa²²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: M Hunt

28/1

Half-brother to useful hunter chaser Law of Gold and out of a 2¼m hurdle winner. Found just one too good on each of his 2 appearances between the flags earlier this year and one to note in the betting on Rules debut.

Form: 22-

Forecasts

Doughmore Bay (11/8), Ikarak (11/4), Mullys Choice (7/2), Isle Of Gold (10/1), Kick Up A Storm (12/1), Diesel D'Allier (28/1), Outside Adesa (28/1)

DOUGHMORE BAY got the better of Ikarak when they met here in May and, with this stiffer test likely to prompt improvement, Emma Lavelle's charge is taken to uphold that form. Ikarak has the advantage of a recent run under his belt and won't go down without a fight, while Mullys Choice and Outside Adesa, both of whom showed ability between the flags, need a close look in the betting. Kick Up A Storm is surely capable of better than he showed in a bumper last year and is not discounted.