bet365 Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Modest winning chaser for Martin Keighley (sold for £5,000) last summer and has ran to a similar level in 3 starts over hurdles for new yard, finishing third in a 6-runner Kelso novice (21f, good) last time. May prove more effective back in handicap company over fences.

Winning Pointer has made a promising start to her hurdling career, off the mark with a smooth success in a 15-runner Limerick novice (19.2f) 10 days ago. Should be able to follow up on her way to better things.

Maiden Irish pointer left her Rules debut well and truly behind when a surprising winner (50/1) of a 2½m Hexham novice hurdle last month. Could improve again and looks the most likely challenger to the favourite.

Point winner who struck at the second time of asking in bumpers at Catterick in December (third won a 3-runner race subsequently). Well held in an Ayr bumper after 4 months off, stopped quickly. Needs to bounce back up in trip on hurdles debut but too soon to write him off yet.

Bumper winner has yet to reproduce same level of form over hurdles, highly-tried in a Grade 3 on hurdles debut prior to finishing well held in a pair of 2m maidens at the end of last year. Could have more to offer back up in trip but handicapping may be more his bag.

Best hurdles effort to date upped in trip when fourth of 6 in novice hurdle at Kelso (20.9f, good, 50/1) 32 days ago, though possibly flattered given the slowly-run nature of that race. More needed.

Fair handicapper on Flat. Yet to reach that level over hurdles but offered something to work with when placing in a couple of maiden hurdles for Alexandra Dunn last year (sold for 3,200 gns). Could do better over the longer trip on stable debut but looks another who will fare best in handicaps.

Modest maiden on Flat (stays 2m) and showed little aptitude for hurdling on debut at Cartmel 13 days ago. Best to look elsewhere.