Betway Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle (Listed)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 4m 49.0s

Settings

Selected odds by:

Hang In There³³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Adam Wedge| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 141

8/1

2-5 over timber, including a Grade 2 Supreme Trial at Cheltenham's November meeting, put in his place last month in the Tolworth by Fiddlerontheroof but can't be discounted on one run.

Form: 42-U115

Pacify^t⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 143

12/1

Smart Flat performer (rated 101) won five on the spin over timber before finishing 3L second to Hang In There at Cheltenham in November (conceding 5lb). Entitled to be closer and this track ought to suit well.

Form: 111112

Shan Blue²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 139| BF

3/1

Wide-margin winner of a Southwell maiden on heavy going in December; since well held in Grade 2 event at Warwick (2m5f, soft) and seemingly has to improve to regain winning thread down in distance.

Form: 13-2F13

Shishkin²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

1/2

Fell on hurdles bow at Newbury but this bumper was winner was most impressive back there last month when quickening away from the useful Shakem Up'arry in the style of a good horse. Lots of untapped potential on that evidence.

Form: 3/11-F1

Up The Straight⁶²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: James Davies| T: R Rowe| D

33/1

Good winner of a Lingfield novice (2m3½f, heavy) on hurdles bow in November; form that has worked out well. Well held since however in Sandown Grade 2 and drop in trip doesn't appear a big positive. Up against it.

Form: 4242-17

Forecasts

Shishkin (1/2), Shan Blue (3/1), Hang In There (8/1), Pacify (12/1), Up The Straight (33/1)

All bar one of these still holds an entry in next month's Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham but SHISHKIN makes most appeal. Nicky Henderson's runner put away a decent rival with real authority at Newbury last time out and looks to have plenty of scope and potential to carry on improving. Shan Blue forced that pace last time at Warwick and paid for it, though he could do better now. Hang In There had Pacify behind at Cheltenham in November but, 5lb better off and with this track more suitable, Jamie Snowden's runner can reverse those placings.