Living North Christmas Fair Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:05 | Winning time: 5m 46.4s

Ikarak^p⁶³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Bradley Harris⁽⁵⁾| T: Anthony Charlton| OR: 120| D

11/10

Fairly useful form in France (winning chaser) and didn't have to improve when off the mark over hurdles on fourth and final start for Milton Harris in October. Leading contender under a penalty.

Form: F12-221

Both Barrels³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Craig Nichol| T: D W Whillans

11/8

Made the frame all 3 starts in bumpers and did so again without looking anything out of the ordinary switched to hurdles after 8 months off at Carlisle 39 days ago. More needed.

Form: 343-4

Fortuitous Find²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish

25/1

Winning pointer who showed ability sent hurdling in decent contest at Doncaster a year ago but well held at Leicester on first run since.

Form: P/213-6

Kinder Kid⁵⁹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: S Mulqueen| T: Miss T Jackson

66/1

£46,000 4-y-o, Milan gelding. Dam, no form, half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 4¼m) Final Nudge. Third sole start in Irish points (Apr 2022).

Form: 3/

Swedish Icon²³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Ruth Jefferson

200/1

Half-brother to 6 winners but well held in 2 bumpers in the spring.

Form: 40-

Workhardplayhard²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Mr William Easterby⁽⁵⁾| T: T D Easterby

6/1

Won his sole start between the flags in February. Promising second in novice hurdle at Sedgefield on Rules debut 4 weeks ago despite running green throughout. Will improve and big chance of going one better.

Form: 1-2

Young Jack²²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Danny McMenamin| T: C Grant

25/1

Champs Elysees gelding. Dam, 19f hurdle winner, half-sister to useful hurdler/chaser (2¾m winner) Provo. £14,500 purchase after winning an Irish point in May. Could play a part now hurdling for new connections.

Form: P-1

Forecasts

Ikarak (11/10), Both Barrels (11/8), Workhardplayhard (6/1), Young Jack (25/1), Fortuitous Find (25/1), Kinder Kid (66/1), Swedish Icon (200/1)

Winning-pointer WORKHARDPLAYHARD produced a promising first effort over hurdles when second at Sedgefield and the 7 lb he receives from penalised-winner Ikarak may prove decisive.