Fairlight Studio Returns From Canada Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 4m 43.50s

Absolutely Doyen¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Freddie Keighley⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 113

2/9

Showed promise in a trio of maiden hurdles last season, collared on line after making novicey mistakes at Huntingdon (15.8f, good) on final outing. Left Fergal O'Brien's yard for €13,000 in May and didn't need to improve to land the odds at Stratford last month, plenty in hand. More to come.

Form: F2242-1

The Hawkstonian²⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Beau Morgan⁽⁵⁾| T: B Pauling

10/1

€45,000 3-y-o, Jukebox Jury gelding. Didn't see his race out on debut at Uttoxeter and went backwards from that when seventh of 12 in bumper at Warwick. Had wind surgery subsequently but still didn't finish race off with much conviction at Ffos Las. Off 8 months and up in trip for hurdles debut.

Form: 672-

Top Of The Stars³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Ryan Mania| T: S Waugh

150/1

Well held both starts at Kelso and looks a long-term project.

Form: 58

Fran The Man³²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: Edward Austin⁽⁵⁾| T: H McMahon| OR: 85

125/1

Third on bumper debut for Martin Dunne this time last year but ran poorly in 2 similar races thereafter and hasn't threatened over hurdles for new yard more recently.

Form: 370-688

Lowlands⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Danny McMenamin| T: N G Richards

4/1

Minor promise in a trio of bumpers in the first half of last season. Had wind surgery before a satisfactory hurdles debut at Perth in September, finishing fourth of 7 (20.2f).

Form: 459-4

Non-Runners

Captain Ted¹⁸

Weight: 11-1| Age: 4

T: C Grant J: Ross Chapman

Forecasts

Absolutely Doyen (2/9), Lowlands (4/1), The Hawkstonian (10/1), Captain Ted (20/1), Fran The Man (125/1), Top Of The Stars (150/1)

ABSOLUTELY DOYEN had little trouble landing the odds starting out for Paul Nicholls at Perth in September and the same scenario is envisaged here under a penalty. Lowlands receives weight all round and may win the battle for second.