Crystal Services 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 5m 29.12s

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Selected odds by:

Clondaw Bisto²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: T J O'Brien| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 115

9/2

Shapes as if this trip will suit but was very disappointing last time out and he has something to prove given the way he weakened out of contention. He'd previously looked progressive so it may have been just a blip. The betting market will be the best gauge to monitor that scenario.

Form: 112-23

Groundunderrepair²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: W Greatrex

12/1

No match for a horse of huge potential last time out, but showed a good attitude to hold the rest at bay. That was a marked progression from his form in bumpers and he looks to be one to keep on the right side as he builds up his experience.

Form: 5-32315

Jaisalmer²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: James Banks| T: M Bradstock

50/1

Modest form in two bumpers up to press and needs to improve dramatically now there are obstacles in the way. His yard has also been very quiet of late.

Form: 6-

Jerrysback¹⁰⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: B J Geraghty| T: P Hobbs & J White

1/2

Winner of an Irish point-to-point and, given his illustrious connections, he has to merit plenty of respect. Wouldn't have to be anything special to land this but it may be best to scrutinise the betting market before accepting any cramped odds on a hurdles debutante.

Form: 42-F1

King Uther⁷²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Tom Cannon| T: C Gordon

14/1

Finished just below mid-division in last season's Champion bumper at Aintree but took a soft fall on his hurdles debut at Ascot in his only subsequent start. He has been given time to get a bit more schooling into him and may well be a different proposition this time around.

Form: 10-F531

Zero Grand²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Nick Scholfield| T: J Farrelly| OR: 115

14/1

Sets the standard on the limited evidence available, as he is slowly getting the hang of things, and is an interesting contender at this level. Has proves this trip is within his capabilities and won't mind a bit of cut in the ground either.

Form: 9563-

Midnight Queen¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: R Flint| T: J L Flint

100/1

Won a point-to-point in Ireland but has yet to get really competitive under rules. She faded tamely last time out and needs to prove she has the ability to see out a truly run two and a half miles.

Form: 595708-

Forecasts

Jerrysback (1/2), Clondaw Bisto (9/2), Groundunderrepair (12/1), Zero Grand (14/1), King Uther (14/1), Jaisalmer (50/1), Midnight Queen (100/1)

Jerrysback could be anything and throws a real spanner in the works as far as the form under rules goes. However, he makes limited appeal as punter's choice at cramped odds, so it may be more rewarding to focus on ZERO GRAND and King Uther, with the former edging the nomination as the currently more proven performer. The ground and trip shouldn’t be an issue and as big run is expected. Groundunderrepair is another that has to come into the reckoning as a likely improver – he is certainly worth considering if the market shows a swing in his favour. 1. Zero Grand 2. King Uther 3. Jerrysback