British EBF Gold Castle 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:41 | Winning time: 5m 55.46s

No Drama This End⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 144| BF| D

8/11

Created an excellent impression in winning his first 3 starts over hurdles, including the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury in December. Had very little go right when pulled up in Baring Bingham at the Cheltenham Festival and retains obvious potential now stepping up in trip.

Form: 19-111P

Sept Etoiles¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: G Elliott| OR: 132| D

11/2

Improved on hurdling debut form when landing 2½m maiden at Down Royal in December. Shaped as if amiss at Thurles next time before resuming his progress with victory in 20-runner handicap at Fairyhouse (23.8f) 10 weeks later, suited by increase in trip. Potential for better again.

Form: 4161

Sogna In Grande²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 128

14/1

Point winner who has looked a useful progress in winning a pair of novice hurdles 4 months apart, latterly in ready fashion at Wincanton (21f, soft). Can go on improving now upped in trip/grade.

Form: 21-11

Tormund Giantsbane⁵⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 129| D

9/4

Fairly useful bumper scorer who has improved with each start over hurdles, winning a pair of novices either side of a respectable effort in a Sandown Grade 2. Open to further progress back up in grade.

Form: 1/12-141

Non-Runners

Kazansky⁴⁰

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: G Elliott J: James Bowen

Blue Run⁶³

Weight: 11-2| Age: 6

T: N J Henderson J: Non Runner

Forecasts

No Drama This End (8/11), Tormund Giantsbane (9/4), Sept Etoiles (11/2), Kazansky (8/1), Sogna In Grande (14/1), Blue Run (16/1)

Challow winner NO DRAMA THIS END had very little go right in the Baring Bingham Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and retains obvious potential now moving up in trip, so he has to be considered the one to beat back down in grade. Sept Etoiles clocked another good time when making a winning handicap debut on first try at 3m at Fairyhouse earlier in the month and warrants respect, along with the promising Tormund Giantsbane.