trustatrader.com Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 10.39s

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Selected odds by:

Alexei^t⁵⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 132

9/2

A fairly useful 4-time winner on the Flat in Germany and he has created an excellent impression in landing a pair of novice hurdles at Taunton this winter for his current yard. Takes a step up in class here but an interesting prospect.

Form: 11

Dodger Long⁷¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Bradley Harris| T: H Dickin| OR: 135

11/1

Scored twice in the autumn at Warwick and Chepstow and took his form up another notch when 8¾ lengths third of 7 to Anzadam in Mullinan Hurdle at Fairyhouse (16f) in November. This useful sort is not taken lightly returning from a break here.

Form: 221123

Fingle Bridge²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 123

7/1

Useful bumper scorer in 2022 who has made light of a two-year absence to bag novice hurdles at Uttoxeter and Market Rasen this winter. This demands more but he shouldn't be underestimated for good yard.

Form: 21/11

Julius Des Pictons⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 123

10/1

French recruit who has advanced his form for his current handler, landing novice hurdles at Plumpton (2m4f) and Chepstow (2m) in December. One to consider in his hat-trick bid.

Form: 1/22-211

Pony Soprano⁶⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| C

18/1

Made a winning start over hurdles here (2m2f) in October but failed to build on it when a well-held third in Winter Novices' Hurdle at Sandown (19.8f) 65 days ago. Back from a break now and remains with potential for top stable.

Form: 3-13

Regent's Stroll⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 134| BF

8/11

Useful bumper winner who changed hands for £660,000 before scoring impressively on his hurdling debut at Newbury in November. Advanced his form but still looked in need of the experience when fourth in the Challow there since. Remains a very good prospect. The one to beat.

Form: 11-14

Forecasts

Regent's Stroll (8/11), Alexei (9/2), Fingle Bridge (7/1), Julius Des Pictons (10/1), Dodger Long (11/1), Pony Soprano (18/1)

REGENT'S STROLL lost his unbeaten record when fourth in Newbury's Challow Hurdle last time but remains a young hurdler going places and is fancied to resume winning ways at the chief expense of Joe Tizzard's unexposed Alexei who should ensure Paul Nicholls' 6-y-o doesn't have things all his own way. Dodger Long and Fingle Bridge appeal as the duo to fight it out for minor honours.