bet365 Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Took a big step forward when getting off the mark in 8-runner novice hurdle at Musselburgh (19.8f, soft, 7/2) 23 days ago. Open to more progress and looks up to defying a penalty.

Successful on his sole outing in points but ran below expectations when fourth of 7 in a Sedgefield bumper on NH debut 25 days ago, dropping away final 1f. Should do better now hurdling.

Little encouragement in a maiden/novice hurdle 8 months apart.

Looks limited on early evidence. Tongue strap on for the 1st time.

Made the fame all 3 starts in bumpers (modest form) and now goes hurdling after 7 months off.

Runner-up sole outing in points and went as if in need of the run for fitness and experience when last of 6 in a Sedgefield bumper on debut 62 days ago.

Fairly useful on Flat, stays 1¾m, disappointing last time. Sold from Richard Fahey 21,000 gns in October. Could go well on hurdles bow.

Mahler gelding who shaped like a stayer in bumpers and did so again when fourth of 11 on Wetherby hurdle debut in October. Ran to a similar level when fifth back there (19.7f) the following month and holds solid place claims on that form, but the drop back in trip isn't sure to be in his favour.

Bumper winner who finished well held faced with testing conditions when fourth of 11 at Aintree (17f, heavy) 14 days ago. Ought to do better somewhere down the line.

No impact on the Flat in 2023 and failed to complete in a couple of juvenile hurdles in late 2022.

Modest maiden on Flat, stays easy 2m, down the field in handicap last time. Would be an unlikely winner on hurdle debut.

Malinas filly. Half-sister to fair French hurdler/chaser Always Mist and fair French hurdler/chaser Skellig Michael. Shaped like a stayer when second of 4 in a Hexham bumper on debut 31 days ago.