Deva Racing Syndicates Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 47.9s

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Selected odds by:

Lough Derg Jewel²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 118

8/1

A winner at Kelso in December but progression has stalled in two runs since then, finishing weakly at Catterick on latest start (possibly didn't stay the trip). Ground and trip more suitable here, but up against some progressive sorts and needs to turn form around.

Form: 2F-2563

Some Invitation^t1⁹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

10/3

Looked to have a decent future when taking a Wetherby bumper on debut 9form solid, second and fourth winners since) but a little disapointing when only eighth to highly regarded Finian's Oscar at Hereford. Ground possibly too soft there, and conditions here more suitable. Worth another chance.

Form: 181

Walt³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Reed⁽⁷⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 130

5/4

Has progressed nicely all season, winning at Fontwell in January and latest third in a good class handicap at Wincanton is solid enough form to get involved here. Likely ground (good to soft) ideal and trip fine, so no reason not to run another good race.

Form: 260-32

Bestiarius¹³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: Craig Nichol| T: N G Richards

9/4

Won a bumper for a Keith Reveley (in heavy ground) at Newcastle just over a year ago, and although beaten favourite when second on debut for new yard back at the same venue in November, winner has gone on to prove himself very useful. Chance if fit after break, and yard among the winners recently.

Form: 1-2

Forecasts

Walt (5/4), Bestiarius (9/4), Some Invitation (10/3), Lough Derg Jewel (8/1)

Only the four runners but they have all shown promise to some extent. Lough Derg Jewel is likely to try and make all but he needs to improve, and preference is for BESTIARIUS, open to plenty more improvement and the winner of the Newcastle novice hurdle he contested, Sam Spinner, has shown himself to be useful. Walt has plenty of good form in the bank and the useful Harry Reed takes a bit of weight off, and he can just hold off Some Invitation for the second spot.