Ballymore Winter Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Looked a smart prospect when winning first 2 starts in bumpers last season but shaped as if amiss in Grade 2 at Aintree final start. Promising second of 16 in novice at Chepstow on hurdles bow on return 38 days ago, a serious error as the race was taking shape looking most costly. Should improve.

Won a weak maiden with ease at Aintree (good) on debut in May and better form when 6¼ lengths third of 7 to Man At Work in novice hurdle there under a penalty last month. 7 lb better off with the winner here so not taken lightly.

Runner-up on his sole start in points and made promising start when winning 13-runner novice hurdle at Worcester (20f, heavy) 36 days ago, kept up to work. Open to progress but this much tougher.

€18,000 3-y-o, £155,000 4-y-o, Workforce gelding. Fell last sole start in Irish points (Mar 13) but looked potentially useful sent hurdling when making a winning debut in novice at Aintree over this trip, delivered late to run down the imposing favourite. Of firm interest.

Successful on his sole start in Irish points and defied a penalty at the first attempt in making it 5/5 in various disciplines in novice hurdle at Bangor (23f) last month. Sets the benchmark.

Point winner who confirmed debut promise when off the mark in bumper at Exeter in April and made a successful debut over hurdles back from 7 months off when making all at Uttoxeter 5 weeks ago, jumping well and showing good attitude. Respected.