Restorations UK Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 12:25 | Winning time: 5m 27.20s

Percy Shelley^v²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Cobden| T: James Owen| OR: 123

13/2

Racked up 5 consecutive seconds on the Flat (when visored) and quick to make his mark in this sphere when going in at Uttoxeter and Ludlow (walk over) in the autumn. Took another step forward when second of 7 in 2m4f Cheltenham novice 29 days ago and not ruled out with visor going back on now.

Form: 112

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Alan Bresil¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Burke| T: Nick Scholfield

80/1

Third sole start in points in March and he shaped with promise when occupying the same spot on his hurdling bow in 2m5f novice at Kempton 12 days ago. This demands a major step forward though.

Form: 3-3

Etna Bianco²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard

13/8

£140,000 purchase after winning Irish point last October and he produced a promising first effort in this sphere when third of 7 in 2m4f Cheltenham novice 29 days ago. Can build on it here so needs considering for his in-form handler.

Form: 13-3

Off The Jury²⁵⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: R Patrick| T: M Bowen| OR: 131

11/4

Yet to score in this sphere but he posted some useful efforts last term for Alan King, signing off with a very good neck second of 16 in 2m4f handicap at Sandown in March. Changed hands for £250,000 subsequently and the clear form pick for his new yard.

Form: 3/223R2-

Big Ticket²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies

9/4

Easily won his sole start in Irish points in May and he came in a promising second of 7 in novice hurdle (5/2) at Aintree (20f, good) on NH debut 27 days ago. Very much one to consider with progress on the cards.

Form: 12

Non-Runners

Blue Carpet²²

Weight: 11-5| Age: 5

T: D Skelton J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Etna Bianco (13/8), Big Ticket (9/4), Off The Jury (11/4), Percy Shelley (13/2), Blue Carpet (7/1), Alan Bresil (80/1)

A clutch of these offer potential but Mickey Bowen's new recruit OFF THE JURY possesses much the best form on show and is taken to gain a deserved first victory back in a novice having gone down narrowly in a major handicap at Sandown when last seen in the spring. James Owen's upwardly-mobile Percy Shelley appeals as the one to chase him home ahead of Big Ticket and Blue Carpet.