Novice Hurdles can be tricky if containing any horses whose performances have been deliberately poor to attain a nice opening mark but I can't really see too much evidence of that in either Division although there are a few who are a bit more exposed than some who have interesting back form.

 

The fact that they are Handicaps will open up enhanced place options in places for us to attack and whilst confident about the selections I would be staking sensibly due to the nature of the race and recent form.

 

 

Almost Getaway has won ff marks of 90 and 94 last time and clearly in fine fettle, its gone up to a mark of 102 here and will be a massive danger but at the top end of the market some collateral form gives the Nicholls trained FAME AND FUN more of a chance here and if the horse is given more of a chance in running than the last time these pair met it can turn the tables on the amended terms. FAME AND FORTUNE looks one destined not to be with PFN for a long time based on early moderate form but more than capable of picking up a small race lie this and then becoming a nice lower level long term handicapper for a smaller Yard.

 

Kalpaga should run a solid race based on a better run in to 3rd last time at Hereford, the Yard are having a much better season than the past few seasons with horses a lot healthier overall and this one isn't discounted lightly and was the one who came closest to being a tip that isn't a tip. There remain mixed messages about Gavroche D'Allier in terms of trip but it just niggles me that this one may come good at some point. Kapitaliste is more exposed than some but has winning form off a mark of 84 and placed form off a mark of 90 although it may just need this off a near 6 month break. Broomfields Cave is in the TRACKER and has won 2 P2P races at this sort of trip but tailed off last time and I think more of a long term prospect that we will continue to keep an eye on.

 

One at big odds that may outrun them and who I did consider for a long time is BALIYAD its won a similar race off a mark of 85, runner  up too at the Course and seems to prefer going right handed, it's got an enhanced place squeak at around 33/1 IF you wanted to have a supplementary punt on a big priced one with the enhanced places to 4th.

 

The other one I can't not invest in though is PRESGRAVE and only a fitness concern stops me from making this the preferential tip as we have to take fitness on board off a break of 3 months. The form though jumps off the page at me with best runs placing over Course and Distance off mark of 74 not telling the true story as the 1st, 4th and 9th in that race have subsequently won races off higher marks and many of the others up to 10th in the race have placed in competitive same sort of grade races. Bryony rides for her dad and although the Yard isn't in great form, there is plenty to suggest that this one can win races , if not today then when fully tuned up and I've tipped and added to the TRACKER.