GL Events UK Novices' Hurdle

Improving novice last year, excellent sixth in the Triumph Hurdle and made the most of an easy task at Wincanton on reappearance; penalty to carry for that, but looks the one to beat on form all the same.

Only moderate on the Falt but made no mistake on hurdles debut at Fontwell, sticking on well to claim the prize close home; that form can be knocked and he has the penalty to shoulder, but he could do no more than win there.

Nicely bred sort that made a solid start to his career when third at Newbury this time last year; not seen since, which has to be a slight concern, but all the scope in the world to do better for top yard, and has to be considered.

Useful enough at around 10f on the Flat and latest effort over hurdles at Fontwell was definitely a step in the right direction; needs more though and might be more interesting in handicaps after today.

Rated in the 90s on the Flat at his peak, although had rather lost his way in that sphere, but nothing wrong with hurdles debut at Ludlow when finishing a staying-on second to a useful performer. Worry is this trip, which may not be far enough.

Not a lot to show for his four starts so far, three in point-to-points and one in a hurdle; needs a lot more to get involved here.

Wasn't up to much on the Flat and two hurdles starts have seen him finish well beaten; hard to make much of a case for in what could be a competitive event.

Very useful on the Flat if you go back a couple of years, and has shown he retains much of that ability this year; rated 90 on the Flat now and an obvious contender if taking to hurdles, although may want a little further in time.