FBC Manby Bowdler Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div 2)

Hit the frame in his bumpers and same story both starts over hurdles, albeit he took a slight backward step from his opening effort at Worcester in May. Off since and may need a stiffer test of stamina to be seen to best effect.

Second foal, brother to fair hurdler First Candidate (2m winner): dam (h99) lightly-raced maiden hurdler out of smart 2¾m-3m hurdle winner Material World. Newcomer for leading stable, who is also responsible for Sheezer Dancer and 3 others.

Crystal Ocean gelding. Dam useful bumper winner. Sound start amidst clear greenness when third of 10 in a Uttoxeter bumper in October 2025. That race didn't really work out and he's been off since.

€40,000 Maxios half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Bois de Clamart and useful French 2m hurdle winner Megalypos. Didn't look the finished article in a bumper/novice hurdle during the spring. Has had a breathing operation and should have more to offer this season for his leading yard.

Won sole start in Irish points and shaped as if the run would bring him on when third of 8 in a Newton Abbot bumper in April, no extra only final 50 yds. Failed to justify favouritism sent hurdling at Warwick soon after but it was by no means a bad effort in second. Tongue tie on for return.

Settled better and showed more than on debut when third in a Stratford bumper in March. Since left Tom Weston and joined very powerful stable ahead of hurdling debut. Hood on.

Lacked the know-how to justify strong support when fifth of 9 in bumper at Huntingdon (15.8f, soft) on debut last November and fared even worse 4 months later. Does switch to obstacles with his yard in excellent order.

Never really looked like justifying support in a course bumper last month.

€27,000 3-y-o, £50,000 4-y-o, Affinisea mare. Dam (h75), maiden hurdler, sister to fairly useful hurdler (stayed 2½m) Champagne James. Placed both starts in Irish points but that was back in 2024. One of 5 Skelton representatives.

Third in a big-field Cheltenham bumper last spring and back to something like hurdling debut form when third at Kempton in February. That race worked out quite well and she sets a pretty high standard on her return.

Cheap purchase who has looked a tricky ride when placing in Fontwell bumpers 4 months apart. No promise sent hurdling last week.

Pether's Moon filly who shaped like a stayer in bumpers. Kept to 2m for this hurdling debut.