Hospice At Home Charity Partner 2024 Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 5m 8.31s

Mr Bramley³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: C O'Farrell| T: Jedd O'Keeffe

4/5

Progressive in bumpers and immediate improvement on hurdles debut at Bangor (19.6f, heavy) where he landed a decent novice event in decisive fashion. Has to be taken very seriously indeed with further progress a distinct possibility.

Form: 52-21

Panhandle Slim³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 115

10/3

Hit the frame in a couple of above-average bumpers and confirmed the promise of his hurdling debut when winning 8-runner novice at Sedgefield (19.8f, soft) on Boxing Day. Solid 5¾ lengths third to Mr Bramley at Bangor since and this stiffer track should play to his strengths.

Form: 624213

Looking As You Are²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Bannister| T: A M Hales| OR: 114

3/1

Showed plenty when runner-up on first 3 outings in bumpers and improved on her hurdling debut form to get off the mark at Ludlow last month. Another step forward when doubling her tally at Plumpton (20.5f, soft) and she should have a part to play.

Form: 220311

Charizord²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Coltherd| T: S Corbett

200/1

Showed nothing in Naas bumper for Harry Smyth last February and reappearance spin for new yard at Newcastle was devoid of promise. Big step forward needed now switched to hurdles.

Form: 6-8

The White Rat¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: M & D Easterby

40/1

Forever Now gelding. Dam 2½m-3m hurdle/chase winner. Fourth on sole start in points this month and probably worth taking on here.

Form: 4

Atlanticexpress³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-9| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Lizzie Quinlan

80/1

Closely related to 3 winners, including fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Lock's Corner, stays 25f, and modest hurdler My Peggy. However, safely held on debut for Joseph O'Brien in a mares' maiden hurdle at Punchestown and opposable starting out for new yard here.

Form: 5

Non-Runners

Largy Poet²³

Weight: 12-0| Age: 5

T: P F Nicholls J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Mr Bramley (4/5), Largy Poet (6/4), Looking As You Are (3/1), Panhandle Slim (10/3), The White Rat (40/1), Atlanticexpress (80/1), Charizord (200/1)

This has the look a of a pretty useful novice event and MR BRAMLEY gets the nod. He improved with each of his three starts in bumpers and continued on an upward curve when striking on debut in this sphere at Bangor. Panhandle Slim, who put in a good shift behind the selection at Bangor and should be suited by this stiffer track, is the danger. The hat-trick seeking Looking As You Are is also accorded respect.