NAF Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

3YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 5f 137y | 5 Runners | Turf

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 110

Expensive purchase from points who showed plenty in pair of maiden/novice hurdles prior to a lesser display on handicap debut at Cheltenham (16.4f) in November. Strong chance he can get back on track now eased in grade.

Form: 19-238

Bertie Wooster¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Kimber⁽³⁾| T: J Tizzard| OR: 109| BF

Remains a maiden following 7 attempts over hurdles but much more encouraging signs in handicaps, just touched off at Hereford (21.7f) 17 days ago but pulling well clear of the rest. Respected despite inflated mark.

Form: 4523-32

Stratton Oakmont¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Ben Godfrey⁽³⁾| T: K Woollacott| OR: 102

Finally got off the mark in 3-runner handicap hurdle at Southwell (24.3f, heavy) 9 days ago, that despite his jumping not looking the most polished. Not taken lightly with a repeat for all this is tougher.

Form: 1P12-31

Lelant⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 100

Some promise in maiden/novice hurdles and took a marked step forward from handicap hurdles debut when staying on to go down narrowly at Taunton (19f) 8 days ago. Increase in trip promises to suit and claims off same mark.

Form: 672-U62

Sam's Amour¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Kieran Burke| OR: 98| BF

Lightly-raced maiden who has run with credit both starts in low-grade handicap hurdles so far this campaign, third in mares' handicap hurdle at Fontwell (19.2f) latest. This rates tougher, however.

Form: 2043-33

Forecasts

Stratton Oakmont (7/4), Bertie Wooster (3/1), Lelant (4/1), Sam's Amour (11/2), Brook Bay (6/1)

Plenty of interesting types in opposition and it could be worth siding with LELANT. He displayed improved form when runner-up over hurdles at Taunton (19f) 8 days ago and this further increase in trip promises to suit on that evidence. Bertie Wooster and Brook Bay head up the dangers. Startton Oakmont is also a player now his engagement on Thursday has been abandoned.