Roy Reeve Memorial 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:11 | Winning time: 3m 52.83s

Norn Iron³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 118| BF

2/11

Showed promise in 2022/23 season for Oliver Sherwood and has been shaping up very well in handicaps for this yard, coming up a neck shy at Newbury a month ago. Should gain compensation.

Form: 43/2242

Now I Know^t²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Rex Dingle| T: C Gordon

50/1

Looked limited prior to refusing to race last time.

Form: 0-800R

Roman Roy^t⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 101

6/1

Placed in bumpers and although his best effort in novice hurdles came at this venue, his finishing effort was found to be lacking when turned over at short odds in a 4-runner race. 2 disappointing efforts have since followed, too, and he's now back in trip.

Form: 25-3256

Start Again¹⁸⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Jack Hogan⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien

8/1

Didn't show a great deal in points but much more like it when runner-up at Worcester in September. Wasn't seen to best effect back there the following month and now goes hurdling back from a break.

Form: 7P27

Non-Runners

Ballyhealy Diamond¹⁰

Weight: 10-13| Age: 6

T: D Steele J: Freddie Mitchell

Forecasts

Norn Iron (2/11), Roman Roy (6/1), Start Again (8/1), Now I Know (50/1), Ballyhealy Diamond (66/1)

NORN IRON has been expensive to follow in handicaps but he didn't do a lot wrong when second at Newbury a month ago and he really should make no mistake here. Roman Roy's profile isn't particularly encouraging, so hurdles debutant Start Again is offered for forecast purposes.