Ascot Racecourse Supports Horse Rangers Hampton Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 4m 45.41s

Bathara^t⁷³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

8/1

Warwick bumper winner in October but made a disconcerting hurdling debut when pulled up at Newcastle 11 weeks later (found to have bled).

Form: 4-12P

Gnomon²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: K Brogan| T: T Lawes| OR: 117

4/7

Bumper winner for Ralph Beckett and progressed well on the Flat for the same trainer last year, scoring twice. Has found just one too good on each of his 3 starts since tackling hurdles and should be scoring in this sphere before long.

Form: 168-222

The Egyptian Ginge²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr Jamie Neild| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 112

5/2

Fair in bumpers last term and ran his best race over hurdles sent handicapping when second of 13 at Haydock (19f) earlier in the month. Back in maiden company here and the suspicion is he'll find a couple too good.

Form: 2-55532

Mahon Falls¹¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Shane Quinlan| T: Katy Price| OR: 110

22/1

Modest form in bumpers and placed 3 times from as many starts in maiden hurdles, finishing a well-beaten third of 19 at Cork in December on latest. Has since left Willie Mullins and faces a stiff task for new yard.

Form: 26223

Non-Runners

West Hill Verde²⁹

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: J W Mullins J: Callum Pritchard

Forecasts

Gnomon (4/7), West Hill Verde (13/8), The Egyptian Ginge (5/2), Bathara (8/1), Mahon Falls (22/1)

WEST HILL VERDE ran a cracker when third in the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso last month and returned to much calmer waters, he is expected to open his account. Gnomon has found just one too good on all 3 starts in this sphere so far and he may have to settle for silver once again.