North Wales Business Day Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:40 | Winning time: 4m 45.36s

Hoe Joly Smoke^p,t¹¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 122| D

13/8

Dual chase winner who was a good third in Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November but he's not the most robust and, not for the first time, stopped alarmingly quick when distant second at Newton Abbot (3¼m, good to soft) in May. Record fresh a plus ahead of first hurdles start since 2023.

Form: 33566-2

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Sovereignlightcafe²⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: P W Wadge| T: M & D Easterby

20/1

A fair and lightly-raced maiden on Flat in the first half of 2024. Returned from 17 months off and displayed aptitude for hurdling when third of 9 at Sedgefield in December but well held at Wetherby 3 weeks later and off since. Up in trip.

Form: 38-

Iamyouare⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: Harry Brown⁽¹⁰⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 109| D

4/7

Benefited no end from the step back up in trip when bolting up in 8-runner handicap at Hereford (2½m, good) in April. Got no further than the first at Worcester in July but right back on her game when second at Uttoxeter. Obvious threat to Hoe Joly Smoke back in a novice.

Form: 351-3F2

That Old Chestnut¹¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: David Bass| T: H D Daly

28/1

Looked limited in a pair of Irish bumpers for Noel C. Kelly in summer of 2024. Placed both starts in points ahead of hurdles debut for new stable.

Form: 80/2-3

Whinny Houston¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Sean Houlihan| T: Sheila Lewis

300/1

Looks limited on early evidence.

Form: P0-0

Forecasts

Iamyouare (4/7), Hoe Joly Smoke (13/8), Sovereignlightcafe (20/1), That Old Chestnut (28/1), Whinny Houston (300/1)

HOE JOLY SMOKE has never really been one for maximum faith but this looks a good piece of placing by his leading stable back hurdling on return from a break. Iamyouare should ensure the selection is kept honest.