Fakenham EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 5m 8.3s

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Selected odds by:

Stowaway Magic²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 130

1/1

Winner of three of his five starts, although the form of his Warwick win has taken a few knocks (second had to be dropped to selling grade to win) and probably didn't achieve much when an easy winner at Doncaster last time, with second favourite running poorly. Has to give penalties away here and although open to more improvement, is no certainty to win again.

Form: 4-12151

Cash Again²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: B J Geraghty| T: P F Nicholls

7/2

Second to Jenkins on debut for Paul Nicholls at Newbury last season looks a good piece of form, but disappointing in two runs since, pullling too hard at Uttoxeter next time and then possibly finding the trip and ground both too much at Ffos Las next time. Has something to prove now, and may be one for handicaps after today.

Form: 12-44

Ckalco Des Loges^t1²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 125

8/1

Easy winner of a point-to-point in March 2016, after which he joined Dan Skelton. Been a little disappointing so far, and although debut third at Ayr could be put down to greenness he didn't jump as well as the winner at Catterick next time, looking a bit short of speed. This track doesn't look ideal and he's probably best watched today.

Form: 1-32

Minella Rebellion^t1²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Ned Curtis⁽⁵⁾| T: N J Henderson

16/1

Has looked disappointing in two starts for Nicky Henderson, turning in a poor effort when 2-5f for his debut at Doncaster (didn't jump well either) and then well beaten at Ludlow in January but may have excuses (bit his tongue at Doncaster, lost shoe at Ludlow) and given he cost current connections 90,000gns, they clearly expect better than he's shown so far. Tongue strap goes on today, which might make the difference. Interesting.

Form: 2354-

Oakidoaki⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Brendan Powell| T: B G Powell

33/1

Has shown some promise in two novice hurdles this winter, running well to a point but looking a little weak in the finish. Will likely lead these and may last out a bit longer on this tight track, but needs to improve on what he's achieved to get involved.

Form: 43536-

The Mighty Don²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: N J Gifford| OR: 114

4/1

Showed a good attitude when winning a bumper at Plumpton in November and has performed with credit in two novice hurdles since then, looking like a step back up in trip would suit at Fontwell last time out. Hurdling technique needs to be improved on, but there's clearly ability there and if brushing up his jumping, holds a decent chance,

Form: 3-12

Forecasts

Stowaway Magic (1/1), Cash Again (7/2), The Mighty Don (4/1), Ckalco Des Loges (8/1), Minella Rebellion (16/1), Oakidoaki (33/1)

Plenty will go with the form shown by Stowaway Magic to date, but he's not that far clear on the figures and if something can improve here, they can give him a race. It might be worth chancing the supposed Henderson second string MINELLA REBELLION who cost connections a pretty penny and has had valid excuses for his two defeats so far. He gets 10lb from his stablemate here and can take advantage. The MIghty Don and Ckalco Des Loges can scrap it out for the minor money, with this step back up in trip likely to suit the former. 1. Minella Rebellion 2. Stowaway Magic 3. The Mighty Don