EBF And Charlie Longsdon Racing 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race) (Div 1)

Impressive debut bumper winner at Hereford who came within a whisker of defying his penalty in a similar event here in March (soft). Made a smooth transition to hurdling when successful in C&D novice (good to firm) on return. May well defy a penalty en route to better things.

Won a Chepstow bumper on debut for Tom Weston. Advanced his form in defeat when fairly useful fourth under a penalty (beaten 2¾ lengths) at Southwell on first start for Dan Skelton in February. Off a further 8 months but can have a big say if now translating his form to hurdles.

Manduro gelding. Half-brother to useful hurdler/chaser Front View, stayed 3m, and winning hurdler/fairly useful chaser Guardamar. Runner-up in small-field event first of 2 Irish point starts last April. In good hands but faces some potentially above-average types on hurdling bow.

Well-related individual who appears to be a handicap project for his excellent stable. One to note over longer trips after this run.

Diamond Boy gelding. Dam (c96/h75) 2¾m/3m chase winner. Winning point form looks to have some substance (beat a sort who's now fair under Rules). Off since falling between the flags last spring. Entitled to need his hurdling debut, though market can prove best guide.

Winning pointer at the seventh attempt. Didn't achieve much when well-beaten fourth in a pair of Newton Abbot hurdles (2¾m) in May/June. Drops markedly in trip and little appeal this side of handicaps.

Made a winning bumper debut in taking fashion at Hereford last November. Finished ahead of 4 subsequent winning hurdling debutants when mid-field in Grade 2 Aintree bumper on latest start in April. Has to be of interest switched to hurdles by a very good yard.

Offered little in a couple of bumpers for different trainers 16 months apart. Opposable on hurdling debut.

Showed nothing in a bumper and similar story when pulled up on hurdling debut here (19f, soft) in March.

Planteur gelding. Dam (c111/h107), temperamental 2½m-3m chase winner. Already gelded, with jockey booking also suggesting that he's a likely one for down the line.