John Budden Memorial British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runner-up sole start in points in May 2024 but well held on Hexham hurdle debut 18 months later.

Looked useful when making a winning bumper debut at Ayr (heavy) in February. Should be up to making his presence felt in a race like this now hurdling.

Made frame all 3 starts in Irish points and better with each start over hurdles, culminating with a 17f course second on soft ground in February. Likely to be thereabouts if resuming in similar form.

Better effort in bumpers when third on soft ground here in February, but that form doesn't amount to much and improvement needed now switched to hurdles.

10/1 when 20 lengths sixth of 10 in Ayr bumper on debut in March. Blofeld looks the stable first string unless the betting hints otherwise.

Comfortably held in 2 bumpers and unseated early on Hexham hurdle debut in April. Best watched on return.

Modest form in bumpers and probably didn't achieve much when 8 lengths second of 3 to a hard-held winner on 2½m Wetherby hurdle debut last month.

Promise when reaching the frame in 2 bumpers and again when 13 lengths third of 9 in 2½m Newcastle novice on hurdle debut 16 days ago. May do better.

Runner-up on second of 2 outings in points but well held in bumper/2 novice hurdle under Rules.

Made frame sole start in points in March. Best watched on hurdle debut unless the betting strongly hints otherwise.

Fair form over hurdles in France for Francois Nicolle and runner-up on sole completed chase start on that side of the Channel. Ran below that level when third on 17f course stable debut 3 weeks ago but may strip fitter now. Also refitted with the cheekpieces he wore once in France.

€180,000 purchase after finishing second in an Irish point in April. Tongue tied on Rules debut. In good hands and betting confidence likely significant.