Sinclair Group Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:18 | Winning time: 3m 43.07s

Chevington²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽³⁾| T: A Ralph| OR: 100

8/1

Runner-up on the first of 3 outings in bumpers. Minor promise when only mid-division over hurdles so far and will likely been seen to better light in handicaps.

Form: 27/8648-

Doeshefitthebill^t¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

5/1

Very much caught eye when fourth of 7 to Daddy Long Legs in novice at Ludlow last time, finishing with running left having been poorly positioned. Reportedly returned with breathing problem there but has to be respected if that issue has been remedied.

Form: 4094-

We Ain't Walking¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Benjamin Poste| T: R Potter

66/1

Pulled up sole start in Irish points and came off bridle long way out when seventh of 12 to Roaring Legend in maiden at Chepstow on debut. Hard to fancy.

Form: P7-

Cusano²¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-9| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

9/4

Fairly useful on Flat, winning a 6-runner maiden at Hyeres (12.4f, good to soft) final start in 2023. Since been gelded and is a very interesting hurdles newcomer for powerful yard.

Form:

Opera King^p¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-9| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

3/1

Fair bumper performer showed aptitude for hurdling when third finish at Market Rasen on debut. Not in same form when mid-field at Warwick since, but could bounce back.

Form: 44537-

Bellbird²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr

3/1

Fair maiden on the Flat in France for N. Clement and made an encouraging start over hurdles when third of 12 in novice hurdle at Stratford (16.3f, good to soft). Sure to improve.

Form: 3-

Forecasts

Cusano (9/4), Bellbird (3/1), Opera King (3/1), Doeshefitthebill (5/1), Chevington (8/1), We Ain't Walking (66/1)

A good heat, several having shown promise already, though preference is for BELLBIRD after last month's encouraging Stratford third. Cusano is a really interesting recruit to hurdling for the Dan Skelton yard, whilst Doeshefitthebill caught the eye under considerate handling here last time and is also considered.