Darley EBF Novice Stakes (GBB/GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 17:40 | Winning time: 2m 26.78s

(2)

Nakassama^t²³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Shane Gray| T: N C Kelly| OR: 82

4/1

Boasts an unusual profile for this type of event but won over hurdles in June then twice narrowly denied in similar events before showing fairly useful form when fourth of 18 in maiden on the Flat at Galway last month. Can be competitive.

Form: 2574/2-4

(3)

Flagbearer¹⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas

9/2

£485,000 buy by Sea The Stars and bred for middle distances. Didn't show much when fourth of 8 in a maiden at Ffos Las over 1m 17 days ago but dwelt and wasn't knocked about so isn't one to write off upped in trip given pedigree/connections.

Form: 4

(1)

Lord D'or³²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: A M Balding| OR: 82| BF

4/9

Bumped into some promising rivals when runner-up last 3 starts, including upped to 1¼m at Windsor last time and has scope for progress given this further step up in trip looks sure to suit. Strong claims.

Form: 6-222

Forecasts

Lord D'or (4/9), Nakassama (4/1), Flagbearer (9/2)

LORD D'OR has been runner-up on his last 3 starts, most recently bumping into a promising Godolphin-owned newcomer at Windsor, so he's fancied to go one better with this step up in trip sure to suit. Nakassama won over hurdles in June and has bags of experience so could capitalise if the selection flops.