Virgin Bet Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:25 | Winning time: 5m 54.02s

Heros De Romay⁵⁹

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

10/3

Well-bred bumper winner who showed a good attitude to make a successful hurdling debut at Chepstow in November. Had a hard race but has been given time to recover and should put up another bold showing.

Form: 12-1

Lord Of Thunder¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 120| C

4/5

Improving son of Getaway who got off the mark in fine style in 9-runner novice hurdle here (19.8f, heavy) 18 days ago. Looks a smart prospect and holds leading claims.

Form: 23-P21

Theyseekhimthere²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: James Bowen| T: W Greatrex

25/1

Had a wind op before 125/1-winner on hurdles debut at Lingfield (19.5f) in November. Only eighth in similar event at Chepstow since but may have found that run coming too quickly so not written off.

Form: 7-18

Casual Observer³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham

16/1

Points runner-up but (2/1) he came in only fourth of 5 in bumper at Market Rasen on NH debut 30 days ago. Stepped up in trip for his hurdles debut and remains with potential.

Form: 2-4

Paddy De Pole²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls

4/1

Alkaadhem gelding. Winning Irish pointer who shaped as if better for the run when third of 9 in novice hurdle at Chepstow (23.6f, heavy) on NH debut 28 days ago, not knocked about. Can build on it.

Form: UF541-3

Forecasts

Lord Of Thunder (4/5), Heros De Romay (10/3), Paddy De Pole (4/1), Casual Observer (16/1), Theyseekhimthere (25/1)

A few of these offer potential but there was a lot to like about LORD OF THUNDER's recent success here so he looks the way to go before tackling better things. Kim Bailey's likeable Chepstow scorer Heros de Romay should ensure Joe Tizzard's improving son of Getaway doesn't have things all his own way though, while Paddy de Pole can also take a step forward and needs factoring in too.