Strawmax Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:55 | Winning time: 5m 10.07s

Dartmouth Castle²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 124

8/11

Bumper winner who made the most of a good opportunity when opening his hurdle account in 5-runner maiden at Sedgefield (2½m, good) last month. Has excellent claims of following up.

Form: 145221-

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Kashchei^p³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Finn Brickley⁽⁷⁾| T: C Collins| OR: 104

4/1

Fair maiden hurdler in Ireland who matched previous form in first-time cheekpieces (retained here) when third of 13 in 2¾m event at Downpatrick on latest start, clear of rest. Obvious contender in this small-field affair.

Form: 666753-

Rupert The Prince^v¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Charlie Maggs⁽³⁾| T: R Menzies

9/4

Fair stayer on Flat, successful 3 times in 2025. Sold from Paddy Butler's yard for 36,000 gns but was beaten a long way out on his hurdling debut at Newcastle in January. Much more like it with a creditable effort back on the level at Ripon recently.

Form: 8-

Forecasts

Dartmouth Castle (8/11), Rupert The Prince (9/4), Kashchei (4/1)

DARTMOUTH CASTLE confirmed previous promise when opening his hurdle account at Sedgefield last month and this looks an excellent opportunity for a follow-up success. Kashchei is the obvious threat on form.