Expert Analysis

The very best novice hurdlers are being aimed at Cheltenham, less than 2 weeks after this, but some lesser lights with clear potential tend to turn up here, and this year looks no exception, the first 2 both showing useful form. It was a strongly-run race, a bit too much so for some of the beaten horses, with the on-screen sectionals of 57.95s for the final 4f equivalent to a 99.8% finishing speed on ground that was nearer “good” than “good to soft” judged on times.

JET TO VEGAS (h139 here, 122 previously) took a big step forward, as novices from this stable sometimes do, in putting up a useful effort and take this good prize, close up and jumping slightly right throughout but going with zest, leading 2 out and finding plenty for

pressure after the second looked menacing between the last 2. Despite slightly free-going tendencies, he should prove at least as good at 20f as 16f.

CHART TOPPER (h136 here and previously) ran at least as well as previously and could still do better after just 3 runs over hurdles, in mid-field and travelling strongly from halfway, moving up and the likeliest winner 2 out but under pressure approaching the last and being held by the resolute winner from that point. He should stay 20f.

CASTLE CARROCK (h128 here and previously) repeated his Sandown form and should still be open to some improvement, this just his third run (bumper and 2 hurdles), mid to rear before improving approaching 2 out, then able only to plug on. He will stay at least 20f.

LISTENTOYOURHEART (h125 here, 128 previously) ran close to form without really seeing things out at this extended two miles, improving from mid/rear before driven after 2 out and no extra on the run-in.

CAPTAIN BUTLER (h118 here and previously)

PUTAPOUNDINTHEJAR (h94 here, 122 previously)

LAGANHILL (h91 here, 124 previously)

ROADLESSTRAVELLED (h0 here, 137 previously) had a decent chance on form but was pulled up for the second time in a row and may not be right at present.

VANDERPOEL (h0 here, 124 previously)