Virgin Bet Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Wide-margin winner on second start in points back in the spring and predictably knew what was required switched to bumpers when runner-up at Worcester in October. Made a successful debut over hurdles at Wetherby (21.2f, soft) 5 weeks ago but more is needed to defy a penalty.

Well held in pair of novice hurdles and looks one for handicaps later on.

Well held on only start in bumpers and offered little making his first start over timber at Chepstow in November. Easy to look elsewhere.

Bred to stay well and left debut form well behind when third in Chepstow novice (23.6f, good) 5 weeks ago, not knocked about. Handicaps after this is probably where his future lies.

Just one effort of note from 4 starts in bumpers and offered little sent hurdling after 9 months off at Ffos Las recently.

Showed fair form in a couple of bumpers last winter but has offered little in 2 starts over hurdles in recent months. Back up in trip today.

Kapgarde gelding who looked badly in need of the experience when finishing down the field in a bumper at Exeter (16.7f, good to soft) just under 8 weeks ago. Makes hurdles debut today and one of 3 representatives for Paul Nicholls.

Fair in bumpers but has finished well held on both starts in novice hurdles in recent months. Upped in trip today but handicaps down the line look the plan with him.

Geordieland gelding. Dam (h92) maiden hurdler. Market check advised.

Successful sole outing in points but failed to meet expectations switched to Rules in a Fontwell novice hurdle (17.7f) just under 8 weeks ago, needing stiffer test. Should be capable of better now upped in trip.

Easily won only start in Irish points from sole other finisher but having been sent off an odds-on favourite, failed to meet expectations when third in novice hurdle at Carlisle (19.3f, good to soft) just under 6 weeks ago. Clearly thought capable of better.