William Hill Betting Done Properly Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:46 | Winning time: 5m 51.38s

Donnie Devito^h,t²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: T P Harney| T: R O'Sullivan

6/1

Struck at the second time of asking over hurdles in a Punchestown maiden in June and improved further when following up at Galway in August. Seemed beaten on merit under a penalty at Listowel since but still a big player in this company.

Form: 35-7113

Fine Margin^t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 130

3/1

Fairly useful hurdler who completed a hat-trick in maiden/novice company earlier in the season. However, had winning run ended in tame fashion back in handicap company at Worcester last month.

Form: P0-111P

Intense Approach¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: H Cobden| T: J C McConnell| OR: 127

2/1

Dual bumper winner who was good enough to overcome ongoing jumping issues when landing maiden/novice events in recent months. Fine second in Persian War on most recent outing and ought to make presence felt once again.

Form: P-F2112

Millforce¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Keith Donoghue| T: G P Cromwell| BF| D

5/2

Took 6 goes to get off the mark in points but struck at the first time of asking under Rules in a 2m4f maiden at Bellewstown in August. Would have likely followed up with a better round of jumping when narrowly denied at Cork (24.4f) 13 days ago and remains with potential.

Form: 22-2112

Hauraki Gulf³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-0| J: Chris Ward| T: Deborah Cole| OR: 116

14/1

Won twice in handicaps last season and shaped as if back in good form when runner-up at Newton Abbot (25.8f) in May. Found only a progressive sort too strong back over hurdles at Fontwell last month but this is tougher.

Form: 314U-22

Forecasts

Intense Approach (2/1), Millforce (5/2), Fine Margin (3/1), Donnie Devito (6/1), Hauraki Gulf (14/1)

MILLFORCE's jumping technique certainly requires refinement but he strikes as the one with the most potential in this field, so gets the nod to come out on top. Intense Approach is another who's had his fair share of jumping issues but arrives following a fine second in the Persian War, with Donnie Devito deserving respect, also.