Easter Sunday & Centenary Celebration Raceday Junior 'National Hunt' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 4m 28.4s

Excelero^h1⁵³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: David Noonan| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 124

4/11

Has a good pedigree and showed plenty to work amidst inexperience when second of 9 in a juvenile at Warwick (2m, heavy) in November. Improved when third behind Sir Gino in Cheltenham Grade 2 in January and he rates the one to beat back in calmer waters with prospect of more to come.

Form: 24

Glimpse Of Glory²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

10/3

Passing Glance gelding who attracted support and was noted putting in some good late work having lost his position when third on hurdles debut at Wetherby (2m) 3 weeks ago. Looks sure to improve, for all longer trips may suit ideally in due course.

Form: 3

Opera King^p1⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Jordan Nailor| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

9/1

Fair form when fourth in a couple of bumpers in December and not discredited when midfield in 13-runner Lingfield bumper a month later, outpaced before keeping on final 1f. Cheekpieces go on for hurdles debut.

Form: 445

Wonderful Delight⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Beau Morgan⁽⁵⁾| T: B Pauling

125/1

In good hands but no short-term promise in 2 hurdle runs at Hereford/Taunton in recent weeks. One for later on.

Form: 77

Honeybun³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Tristan Durrell⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton

40/1

Blue Bresil filly. Dam, modest 19f/3m hurdle winner, sister to fairly useful hurdler (stayed 2½m) Upstager. Offered little when pulled up in juvenile maiden at Hereford (16.2f, soft) 5 weeks ago. Represents excellent yard but she's likely one for further down the line.

Form: P

Rotarua^t1⁷⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Jack Hogan⁽³⁾| T: Justin Landy

150/1

Sholokhov filly who showed more than on debut when fifth of 9 in bumper at Newcastle (16.2f, standard) 74 days ago. Tongue strap applied for hurdles debut but she's likely best watched.

Form: 05

Forecasts

Excelero (4/11), Glimpse Of Glory (10/3), Opera King (9/1), Honeybun (40/1), Wonderful Delight (125/1), Rotarua (150/1)

EXCELERO took a step forward from his encouraging hurdling debut effort when third behind Sir Gino in a Cheltenham Grade 2 in January and he rates the one to beat returned to calmer waters with further progress in the offing. Glimpse of Glory should appreciate the demands of this track judged on her debut effort at Wetherby and is a threat. Opera King is also worth a look on hurdles bow.