Racing TV 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:48 | Winning time: 4m 36.67s

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Selected odds by:

Doctor Ken⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 124| C| DWS

8/11

Bumper winner who built on hurdling debut promise when landing 19.2f Ascot maiden in November. Below that level twice since, though was possibly unsuited by conditions at Exeter last time. Had breathing op.

Form: 41-3154

Super Six^t¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 123

15/8

Dual bumper winner who forced a dead-heat with a useful Flat recruit on Perth hurdle debut in September. Disappointing next 2 outings but got back on track in a first-time tongue strap when second on Taunton handicap debut 16 days ago. Player.

Form: 50-1552

Baby Ben^t²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Max Kendrick| T: F O'Brien

100/1

Placed on second of 2 starts in bumpers and in process of shaping creditably prior to falling heavily 2 out on hurdles debut here in December. Has failed to complete both starts since though, pulling up at Fontwell and unseating his rider at Taunton.

Form: 02-FPU

I'm Spellbound¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: D A Jacob| T: B Pauling

100/1

Showed promise in 2 bumpers last season but has offered little both starts over hurdles.

Form: 44-03

Invictus Smart¹²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: N P Mulholland

11/2

Tongue tied and won 9-runner juvenile hurdle at Fontainebleau (17.6f) on debut in November. Subsequently sold from Hugo Merienne's stable for £200,000. Open to improvement.

Form: 1

Forecasts

Doctor Ken (8/11), Super Six (15/8), Invictus Smart (11/2), I'm Spellbound (100/1), Baby Ben (100/1)

Dual-bumper winner SUPER SIX got back on track despite making a couple of mistakes when runner-up on his handicap debut at Taunton 16 days ago, and a reproduction of that form may be good enough to see him resume winning ways. Invictus Smart is an interesting contender having changed hands for big money after winning his sole outing in France, while Doctor Ken is also respected returning to less testing ground following a breathing operation.