Star Sports National Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 56.71s

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Selected odds by:

Blueking D'oroux³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150| D

5/1

Yet to to score this term but this smart hurdler arrives in good nick, sixth in Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot before a solid third of five in 2m4f Windsor conditions event last month. Ought to be in the shake-up once more.

Form: 154-263

Nemean Lion³⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: R Patrick| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 151

2/1

Has taken his form up a level this year and followed a Hereford handicap success with victory in 5-runner conditions event at Windsor (20f) last month by ½ length from Salver. Concedes 3 lb to that rival here but still not taken lightly.

Form: 167-211

Salver³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 148

13/8

Won 4 times last season and has continued on the up this winter, running well when falling last in Grade 2 Relkeel at Cheltenham before coming in an excellent ½-length second of 5 to Nemean Lion in conditions event at Windsor (20f). Enjoys a 3 lb weights pull now so big shout.

Form: 113-4F2

Punta Del Este^t³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Tudor| T: D Pipe| OR: 134| BF| D

40/1

Dual winner last season who has posted a trio of useful efforts this term, latest when third of 11 in 3m handicap hurdle at Haydock on his final run for Dan Skelton. This demands more but he's no forlorn hope starting out for a new stable.

Form: P01-353

Steel Ally⁶⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Dylan Johnston| T: S Thomas| OR: 142| D

11/2

Looked a progressive front-runner when bagging 2m3f handicap at Haydock in November but he was pulled up in 2m Ascot handicap following month. Sort to bounce back after a break though.

Form: 123-21P

Forecasts

Salver (13/8), Nemean Lion (2/1), Blueking D'oroux (5/1), Steel Ally (11/2), Punta Del Este (40/1)

The likeable SALVER is taken to gain a deserved first victory of the season and turn the tables on his recent Windsor conqueror Nemean Lion on these more advantageous terms. Kerry Lee's hat-trick seeker still rates a big danger though, while the consistent Blueking d'Oroux also has the form to go close in an intriguing National Spirit.