David Clarke Memorial 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:39 | Winning time: 4m 9.32s

Credit Union^h³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Conor Rabbitt⁽³⁾| T: J Bedi

250/1

Little promise shown in a trio of bumpers (trained by Rebecca Menzies first 2 starts) and 2 runs over hurdles, tried in a hood at Sedgefield (2½m, firm) last time.

Form: 000-06

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Ebchester¹¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Nathan Moscrop| T: S Corbett

33/1

Ocovango gelding has finished fourth in bumpers at Kelso and here in early summer. Goes hurdling now after a break and needs to step forward in all likelihood.

Form: 44

Ride Like A Girl^t²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 107| D

4/6

Fair bumper winner. Had a breathing operation before opening her hurdles account in 2m handicap at Huntingdon in May. Runner-up in 2m novice events at Uttoxeter and Bangor since. Holds leading form claims.

Form: 344-122

Whin Cover⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: John Dawson

10/1

Looked in need of the experience in 2 bumpers last year for Paul Collins. Off 14 months (had breathing operation) before taking a step forward for new yard with fifth of 10 in bumper at Worcester (2m, good) 40 days ago, despite going in snatches. No forlorn hope on his hurdles debut.

Form: 75-5

Dark Tide Rising²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Kielan Woods| T: T R George| D

15/8

Fourth in an Irish point. Much improved on second bumper run when a wide-margin winner of 9-runner event at Worcester (2m, good) 4 weeks ago, though left clear at start and never challenged. Yard is going very well so much respected now starting out in this sphere.

Form: PF-431

Rhythm Of Life^p,t¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Mr Harry O'Dwyer⁽⁷⁾| T: T R George| OR: 100

25/1

Failed to go on after a promising start over hurdles for Gordon Elliott last season. Off 12 months (first-time tongue tie) when a well-held fourth of 6 for new stable in novice at Plumpton (21f, good to firm) 12 days ago. Cheekpieces go back on now with something to prove.

Form: 713-344

Non-Runners

Lecanvey Lady¹⁴⁵

Weight: 10-7| Age: 5

T: M Todhunter J: Callum Bewley

Forecasts

Ride Like A Girl (4/6), Dark Tide Rising (15/8), Whin Cover (10/1), Lecanvey Lady (20/1), Rhythm Of Life (25/1), Ebchester (33/1), Credit Union (250/1)

RIDE LIKE A GIRL holds the clear edge on form and looks to have been found a good opportunity to bag a second success over hurdles. Tom George has his string in excellent nick and his Worcester bumper scorer Dark Tide Rising appeals as the one to chase home Jamie Snowden's mare ahead of fellow hurdling newcomer Whin Cover.