Spectra Group 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Useful bumper winner who landed his first 2 starts over hurdles, overcoming a bad mistake at the last when doubling his tally over C&D in December. Clearly not himself when fifth in the Tolworth back here since but given a break ahead of this and he remains a very bright prospect.

Narrowly denied on sole start in Irish points and looked a good prospect when going one better on Rules/hurdling debut at Ffos Las in November. Disappointed upped in trip there next time, though, so needs to bounce back in a big way returned to 2m/on back of wind op.

Sholokhov gelding. Closely related to bumper winner/fairly useful chaser Middlebrow (2m-2½m winner). Runner-up sole start in Irish points (Oct 2022) and interesting what the market makes of him on Rules/hurdles bow.

Offered little in Newbury bumper on debut in April and similar story in trio of hurdle starts this winter, dropping away 2 out when eighth of 10 in a Plumpton maiden (20.5f) 5 weeks ago. Hood replaces cheekpieces now.

Arcadio gelding who was professional in making a winning bumper debut on sole start for Sandy Thomson at Kelso in January 2020. Changed hands for £80,000 thereafter and entitled to have needed his hurdling debut effort at Chepstow in December. This should reveal more.

Westerner gelding who proved easy to back and shaped like a longer-term project when sixth in an 8-runner C&D novice 3 weeks ago.

Fair maiden hurdler who improved for switch to chasing last season, gaining third success over 20f at Hereford last March. Laboured efforts on 2 of his 3 starts late on last year, so break/return to hurdles needs to have positive effect now. Cheekpieces on.

Norse Dancer gelding. Dam unraced. Offered little only start in bumpers but glimmer of promise from his midfield effort in a big-field Wincanton novice hurdle (15.2f) 33 days ago. Likely to do better longer-term.