Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:46 | Winning time: 4m 50.3s

Block Rockin Beats⁴⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: O Signy

28/1

Bright start under Rules when landing a Cheltenham bumper in October and duly built on that when runner-up in a listed event back there next time. Subsequently ran to a fair level on hurdles debut at Ascot but a sizeable step forward will be needed if he's to get competitive in this contest.

Form: P61-124

Califet En Vol⁶⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 131

5/4

Shaped encouragingly on Rules debut in an Ayr bumper last spring and looked a smart prospect when bolting up in 6-runner novice at Kempton (21f, good to soft) on return/hurdles debut. Second to subsequent Grade 1 winer The New Lion at Newbury next time and remains open to improvement.

Form: 23-12

Jax Junior¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Tom Cannon| T: L Wadham| OR: 137

6/4

Proved to be a disappointment starting out over hurdles at Uttoxeter in November but, having undergone a wind op shortly after, he hasn't looked back since, making all in novice events at Doncaster and Ascot in the style of one destined for far better things. Big player.

Form: 023-711

Junker D'allier⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 131WS

9/1

Found only one too good all 3 starts in bumpers last term and perfect start to hurdles career at Carlisle in October. Followed up at Bangor a month later before struggling in Grade 1 company at Aintree on Boxing Day, subsequent to which he has undergone a wind op. Looks vulnerable.

Form: 222-11P

No Questions Asked⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Ben Jones| T: B Pauling| OR: 124

11/1

Point winner who showed useful winning form in bumpers last season. Made it 2-3 in this sphere when accounting for 13 rivals in a 16.2f Herford novice in December but more will be needed up in class and trip here.

Form: 1/16-131

Secret Des Dieux^t1³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: James Owen| OR: 118| D

20/1

Fair form in bumpers and odds-on winner of a Fakenham maiden/Hereford novice on first 2 starts of this season. Emphasis on stamina counted against him when third on handicap debut last time and, provided that the same scenario doesn't arise here, he could have a part to play. Tongue strap applied.

Form: 62-7113

Forecasts

Califet En Vol (5/4), Jax Junior (6/4), Junker D'allier (9/1), No Questions Asked (11/1), Secret Des Dieux (20/1), Block Rockin Beats (28/1)

The two with the most appealing profiles are JAX JUNIOR and Califet En Vol, with marginal preference for the former who was utterly dominant from the front at Doncaster and Ascot. There should be more to come from Lucy Wadham's charge and he can take this step up in class in his stride. The form of Califet En Vol's Newbury second received a sizeable boost when the winner followed up in a Grade 1 over Christmas and he is the clear main danger ahead of Secret des Dieux.