Smarkets 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 4m 57.9s

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Selected odds by:

Captain Zebo²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Mr John Dixon⁽⁷⁾| T: J E Dixon| OR: 124

9/2

Supported prior to a 5L win at Wetherby last time (2m3½f, good), when jumping right. That was a useful effort and should be better-suited by this right-handed track. Respected under his penalty.

Form: 1P-341

One For Rosie⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| C

8/11

Scored on debut in a Bangor bumper last season and returned from a year off to do the same on his hurdles debut here last month. Tackles softer ground, but if he handles it, then he will take some beating despite a penalty.

Form: 1-1

Emissaire^h¹⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Blair Campbell⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell

40/1

Heavy ground Ayr bumper winner on debut 13-months ago. Step back in the right direction at the same venue last time. More needed, but not written off.

Form: 170-53

First Account⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr

9/4

Irish point-to-point winner on debut in March. Third behind two subsequent winners here on his hurdles debut in October. Stable in good form. Claims.

Form: 1-3

Jack Riddell^v1⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: Jonathon Bewley⁽³⁾| T: G Bewley

250/1

Pulled up and refused in just two starts under rules. Watch.

Form: PR

Forecasts

One For Rosie (8/11), First Account (9/4), Captain Zebo (9/2), Emissaire (40/1), Jack Riddell (250/1)

An interesting contest where FIRST ACCOUNT looks to have the scope to improve on his debut and come good this time, with the stable in cracking form. One For Rosie looks to be his chief rival, and is not taken on lightly, but he had 6lb to concede to the selection. Captain Zebo is respected, while Emissaire should be capable of improvement and is not written off.