Virgin Bet Mares' Novices' Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:17 | Winning time: 4m 8.36s

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Selected odds by:

Vicki Vale^t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Bridget Andrews| T: D Skelton| OR: 120

4/9

Taking winner on hurdles debut in November. Better than result when pulled up in Grade 1 Challow over Christmas and her 2 subsequent efforts confirm she's quite useful. This looks a very good opportunity for a second win.

Form: 2-1P24

Western Safire³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-9| J: Patrick Cowley⁽³⁾| T: L Morgan| D

8/1

Showed ability in pair of bumpers for Martin Keighley and made a successful hurdles/stable debut after 8 months off at Uttoxeter (2m) a month ago. That was a poor contest but she's likely to improve.

Form: 821

Ceci Wells^p²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: D A Jacob| T: P R Webber

66/1

Offered little at up to 13f on the Flat and same story on recent hurdles debut. Cheekpieces on.

Form: 6

Eliza Dolittle⁸⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: James Davies| T: N J Gifford

40/1

Stoutly bred and shaped like a stayer in a brace of bumpers. Kept to 2m for hurdles debut.

Form: 66

First Venture⁸²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Benjamin Poste| T: T Symonds

40/1

Narrow winner of sole start between the flags but has shaped like one with problems under Rules.

Form: 1-PP

Zestful^h⁴³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: M Keighley| D

11/4

Posted best effort on level when second of 10 in handicap at Southwell (14.1f) in January. Hooded and continued good work when making winning hurdles debut at Catterick last month. Should have more to offer.

Form: 1

Non-Runners

Crazy Maisie²⁹

Weight: 10-6| Age: 4

T: M R Hoad J: Jack Hogan

Forecasts

Vicki Vale (4/9), Zestful (11/4), Western Safire (8/1), Crazy Maisie (16/1), First Venture (40/1), Eliza Dolittle (40/1), Ceci Wells (66/1)

VICKI VALE is back against her own sex for the first time since making an easy winning debut at Hereford and this looks a good chance for her to go in again. Zestful is the obvious danger.