Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:11 | Winning time: 4m 5.47s

Ace Of Spades²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 115| D

1/1

Useful bumper winner last spring and he matched that level on just his second run over hurdles when an excellent second of 11 in novice at Exeter (18.5f, good to soft) 26 days ago. Looks hard to beat here.

Form: 521-42

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Country Park³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 112

17/2

£150,000 purchase after winning sole start in Irish points and he has shaped well when placed in a pair of 2m novice hurdles at Uttoxeter and Carlisle this term. This demands more though.

Form: 189-B23

Maghlaak³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: A Keatley

14/1

A fairly useful 10f winner on Flat for Charles Hills. Changed hands for 38,000 gns last month and he's a much respected hurdling newcomer.

Form:

Whimsy²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: J P O'Sullivan| T: A McCann| OR: 113

6/4

Enjoyed a productive summer on the Flat, successful at Carlisle (14f) in June, and she posted a good second of 8 back in this sphere in novice at Galway (16f, soft) 21 days ago. This Irish mare holds solid claims.

Form: 32722-2

Non-Runners

Unleash The Beast¹⁹

Weight: 11-4| Age: 5

T: F O'Brien J: J J Burke

Forecasts

Ace Of Spades (1/1), Whimsy (6/4), Country Park (17/2), Maghlaak (14/1), Unleash The Beast (25/1)

ACE OF SPADES was quick to match his useful bumper form in this sphere when runner-up at Exeter last month and is fancied to build on it and go one better now. Irish challenger Whimsy comes here in great nick though so should ensure Dan Skelton's good prospect doesn't have things all his own way. Hurdling debutants Unleash The Beast and Maghlaak also bring potential to this intriguing maiden.