16:10 Cheltenham

Saturday 27 January 2024

All12:0512:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:10

SSS Super Alloys Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 5m 9.96s

Choccabloc⁷⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N J Henderson| OR: 123

20/1

Bumper winner last season and highly encouraging start over hurdles when going close in a big-field 2m Ludlow novice in October. Battled well when edging out a subsequent winner upped to 21.2f there (soft) next time and he remains open to improvement. Still, this is a big ask under a penalty.

Form: 32-121

Antrim Coast^t1⁹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G P Cromwell| BF| D

4/1

Confirmed abundant hurdles debut promise when taking a 19-runner Punchestown maiden in October. Just edged out by the progressive Butch (winner again since) upped to 3m here (soft) later that month and this drop back is unlikely to be an issue. Big player with first-time tongue strap enlisted.

Form: 8212

Gidleigh Park³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: J J Burke| T: H Fry| OR: 138

5/6

From a good family and has done everything right so far, winning a bumper on debut last spring and a 16.7f Exeter novice on return/hurdles bow in November. Made it 3-3 upped in trip at Newbury (20.5f, heavy) last time, again impressing with the way he went about his business. Bright prospect.

Form: 1-11

Isaac Des Obeaux⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 129

18/1

Failed to build on promise of Chepstow debut success in bumpers last term and safely held on return/hurdles bow here (Old Course) in October. Much-improved since, scoring twice over 19.4f back at Chepstow, and he's likely to continue to progress. However, this demands a significant step forward.

Form: 137-611

Johnnywho^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 136| D

11/2

Wide-margin winner of sole start between the flags and successful in a Taunton bumper and 2½m Carlisle novice hurdle on first 2 starts under Rules. Didn't look out of place in graded company when fourth in the Challow at Newbury (20.5f, soft) last month and he remains with potential. Major player.

Form: 1/1-14

Lucky Place¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 132

15/2

Runner-up only start in bumpers back in May and having filled same spot on hurdles debut in November, he took a marked step forward to open his account in big-field Doncaster novice (19.4f, good to soft) next time. Lost no caste in defeat at Taunton since and he's not without each-way chance.

Form: 2212

Non-Runners

Lord Of Thunder²¹

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: J Tizzard J: Non Runner

Moon D'orange⁴²

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: F O'Brien J: Liam Harrison

Forecasts

Gidleigh Park (5/6), Antrim Coast (4/1), Johnnywho (11/2), Lucky Place (15/2), Lord Of Thunder (12/1), Isaac Des Obeaux (18/1), Choccabloc (20/1), Moon D'orange (25/1)

An intriguing renewal of this Grade 2 contest. Preference is for Irish-raider ANTRIM COAST, who went down all guns blazing in a useful novice event here last time, form which was boosted when the winner followed up in a strong handicap on New Year's Day. The unbeaten Gidleigh Park is an exciting prospect and is greatly respected, albeit he's likely to be plenty short enough in the betting, all things considered. Johnnywho is a promising type and merits respect, too.