British EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: K Brogan| T: T Lawes| OR: 108

Little impact only start in bumpers but much improved from hurdling debut when staying on well for success in 15-runner maiden at Limerick (19f, heavy) in December. Will need to find more again on first start since leaving Gearoid O'Loughlin.

Form: 061

Swingin Safari³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 122

Useful form in bumpers, making the frame in Grade 2 at Aintree, and opened hurdles account at the second attempt at Wincanton in December. Looked in need of a stiffer test when third in a Kempton novice (16f, good) last time, so he could fare better up in trip.

Form: 144-F13

The Boss Bear⁶⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Cannon| T: G & J Moore

Built on debut promise when winning a Fontwell bumper in May and, after 7 months off, readily made a successful start over hurdles in maiden at Plumpton (20.5f, good to soft) in December. Respected with more still to offer.

Form: 2-11

Ionian^h¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

Unplaced on sole start in Irish points but was a short-priced favourite on that occasion and, fitted with hood, improved from hurdling debut when second in a Sandown novice (16f, soft) 13 days ago. Could be ready to open account upped in trip.

Form: 6-62

Jury's In³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Hammond| T: S Edmunds| OR: 116

Won his sole outing in Irish points and has made an encouraging start over hurdles, shaping as if there could be better still to come when third of 12 in maiden at Ffos Las (20f, heavy) in January. From a good staying family and he's one to note.

Form: 1-43

Porridge^b1⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Mr J Stevenson⁽⁷⁾| T: Tracey Leeson| OR: 51

Remains a maiden after 10 hurdle runs and pulled up all 3 starts this season. Blinkers now reached for but looks to be up against it.

Form: 347-PPP

Forecasts

The Boss Bear (5/2), No Cure (11/4), Swingin Safari (3/1), Ionian (4/1), Jury's In (8/1), Porridge (100/1)

IONIAN took a step forward from his hurdling debut effort when runner-up at Sandown 13 days ago, beaten only by the well-backed favourite, and he can continue his progress to go one better. The main danger could be The Boss Bear, who followed up his bumper win with the minimum of fuss switched to hurdles last time, ahead of Jury's In.