JCB Hydrogen Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:27 | Winning time: 6m 1.6s

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Selected odds by:

Queens Venture³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 106

11/4

Improved for switch to handicaps when winning at Market Rasen (23f, good) and Southwell (20.4f, good) in October. Has found life tougher since, though finished with running left on her reappearance (after 4 months off) when fourth at Ludlow 30 days ago. Better anticipated back up in trip.

Form: 4114P4

Born In The West³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 104| BF| D

7/4

Found improvement since sent handicapping, putting up a complete performance to open his account in 8-runner handicap at Catterick (19.3f, good to firm) and backed that upped when runner-up significantly up in distance at Sedgefield (27f) last month. Merits respect.

Form: 832212

Mahler Moon^t²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Burke| T: F O'Brien| OR: 102| D

11/4

Built on promise of previous run when recording a breakthrough victory (on fourth start for this yard) when winning 14-runner handicap hurdle at Newbury (24.2f, good) 29 days ago. Is able to drop in grade despite 4 lb higher mark and has good claims of following up that victory.

Form: 353431

Elusiveness^b,t¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 99| D

9/1

Landed the double under a penalty at Taunton (21.3f) earlier this month, winning cosily in a poor race. Faces a tougher task in her bid for a hat-trick.

Form: 558511

Star Vantage^h,t¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Aaron Anderson⁽³⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 92| BF

8/1

Maiden achieved strong form for the grade when third in a 16-runner handicap at Wetherby in December and has been knocking on the door since, perhaps not the easiest to win with having spurned a good opportunity when narrowly defeated at odds-on at Sedgefield (27f). Now up in grade off 3 lb higher.

Form: 322542

Forecasts

Born In The West (7/4), Queens Venture (11/4), Mahler Moon (11/4), Star Vantage (8/1), Elusiveness (9/1)

MAHLER MOON won a more competitive event at Newbury last month, and he may be able to follow up off 4 lb higher at the expense of Queens Venture, who hinted at a return to form on reappearance, while Star Vantage may have to settle for minor honours again now back up in class.