32Red.com Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 12:55 | Winning time: 6m 20.1s

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Selected odds by:

Royal Magic^t⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: A Nicol| T: S Thomas

25/1

No obvious promise in point-to-points and a bumper before springing a 66-1 surprise in a 2m5f novices' hurdle at Towcester with favourite The Devils Drop in third. Looked a thorough stayer that day and step up in trip should suit.

Form: 6P6-61

Chef Des Obeaux²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: N D Fehily| T: N J Henderson

11/8

Promising hurdling debut behind a well-regarded stable companion on debut at Newbury before going one better at Uttoxeter last time. Steps up in trip and looks a progressive sort who may take some beating.

Form: 57/2-21

Duke Debarry³⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 125

10/1

Fair degree of promise on both starts over hurdles, shaping as though in need of a stamina test last time. Stable companion of Chef Des Obeaux and that one looks to hold slightly stronger claims.

Form: 455-42

Secret Investor^t⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| BF

6/5

Won his point-to-point outing and has looked talented on both starts over hurdles, latterly when finishing second over 2m5f at this track with Duke Debarry well held. Longer trip should suit and he looks a major player.

Form: 12-2

The Devils Drop⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| BF

12/1

Well held by Royal Magic at Towcester and, although 6lb better off, has plenty to find on the form of that race. Others make more appeal.

Form: 2-43

The Lion Dancer^p1³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Angus Cheleda⁽¹⁰⁾| T: C J Mann

100/1

Point-to-point winner who has shown little over hurdles and fences, Needs to make significant improvement in a first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 45-15P6

Forecasts

Secret Investor (6/5), Chef Des Obeaux (11/8), Duke Debarry (10/1), The Devils Drop (12/1), Royal Magic (25/1), The Lion Dancer (100/1)

There did not appear to be any fluke about Royal Magic's win at 66-1 at Towcester, but he has to concede weight all round in a better contest and is not hard to oppose. Chef Des Obeaux represents a top team and has to be of interest along with stable companion Duke Debarry, but SECRET INVESTOR has been brought along quietly and looks ready to strike after a good effort at this track last time.