Betty Chantler Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 3m 40.89s

Anniversary¹⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 11-6| J: Callum Pritchard| T: P Hobbs & J White

9/2

Useful on Flat (stays 14.5f) and posted one of his better efforts when second at Salisbury in May. Below that level on final 2 starts this summer for Ralph Beckett but well prepared to make a winning hurdling debut for new yard at Fontwell 16 days ago. Penalised but there's more to come.

Form: 1

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Bass Hunter¹⁹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Freddie Gordon| T: C Gordon| BF| D

1/4

Irish point winner who impressed when making all on first 2 bumper starts, including in an Ascot listed race (good to soft) just before Christmas. Improved further when excellent third in Champion Bumper before failing to give his running at Aintree. Remains a cracking hurdling prospect.

Form: P1/1130-

Merci Vieil Ami²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: M Goldstein| T: P Butler

250/1

Failed to complete both starts in points. Did show more than he did in a couple of Irish bumpers having transferred to Paddy Butler in a course bumper last month but he has his limitations.

Form: UP-805

Bankatary³⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: J J Burke| T: James Owen| BF| D

14/1

Half-brother to 2 winners on the Flat and justified favouritism on his debut in a Huntingdon bumper a year ago. Similar form under a penalty at Ludlow and has competed on the level since, achieving fair form. Hurdling debut for excellent yard.

Form: 13-

Marnier²²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore

16/1

Developed into a useful stayer for John & Thady Gosden, doubling his tally at Sandown in July. Changed hands for 77,000 gns and backward step when last seen at Epsom but he has the class/stamina to be a factor in this discipline.

Form:

Forecasts

Bass Hunter (1/4), Anniversary (9/2), Bankatary (14/1), Marnier (16/1), Merci Vieil Ami (250/1)

BASS HUNTER was one of the best British bumper horses last season and sure to be very well prepared for this hurdling debut, he should take some stopping. Anniversary tries to concede 6 lb to the selection but he has experience on his side and he can give it a good go. Marnier was also useful on the Flat so merits respect.