Download The BetMGM App Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:38 | Winning time: 3m 32.59s

Fasol^p,t⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Miss Olive Nicholls⁽⁷⁾| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 115| D

4/6

A useful winning stayer on Flat in France. Deservedly opened his hurdles account at Taunton in March and resumed with a solid fifth in 2m novice at Chepstow in October. Not seen to best effect when filling same spot in a handicap at Ascot subsequently and obvious contender back in novice company.

Form: 9123-55

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Fight My Fire¹³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard

8/1

Showed his first form to get off the mark in 10-runner maiden hurdle (100/1) at Fontwell (17.7f, good) 13 days ago, helped by the leader going too hard. More needed under a penalty.

Form: 68-U1

Hopjes³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Bradley Harris⁽³⁾| T: H Dickin

200/1

Little promise on the Flat and in bumpers.

Form: 74-

Marhaba The Champ⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: James Bowen| T: Mrs S Leech| BF

20/1

Fairly useful Flat performer. Could only manage remote last of 4 on Hereford hurdle debut but made a much better fist of it when second in 9-runner maiden at Newcastle (16.9f) last week.

Form: 42

Miss Altea Blue^t²⁰⁵

15/8

Left behind her British debut when winning mares' novice over C&D in March. Looked set for second when falling at the last at Kempton 9 days later and not disgraced from a stiff opening mark in 9-runner handicap at Cheltenham on final outing. Good claims back in novice company. Had breathing op.

Form: 2251F6-

Western Ginny

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: J M Quinlan| T: H Dickin

125/1

€9,000 3-y-o, Westerner filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including fair hurdler/fairly useful chaser Generous Day and fairly useful 2½m hurdle winner Richhill. Best watched unless the market suggests otherwise.

Form:

Forecasts

Fasol (4/6), Miss Altea Blue (15/8), Fight My Fire (8/1), Marhaba The Champ (20/1), Western Ginny (125/1), Hopjes (200/1)

MISS ALTEA BLUE is yet to reproduce her French form, but she wasn't disgraced from a stiff-looking mark at Cheltenham in April and gets the nod to notch a second win back in novice company. Fasol, a stablemate of the selection, is considered the main threat.