16:40

This years renewal of the Sefton Novices Hurdle looks to be a very interesting race with many of the leading protagonists trying the three mile trip for the first time. This race has thrown up some exciting horses with Ahoy Senor, Santini and Champ all winning this race in recent years.

The leading line of form over three miles would come from Crystal Glory who was second behind Hillcrest back in February. He was well beaten that day but he did have the Venetia Williams trained Green Book well in behind that day so he appears to hold him on that line of form.

Banbridge leads these runners on official ratings following his success at the festival last month. He kept on strongly up the hill that day and it would be no surprise to see the sole runner from Ireland go off favourite for this event. He’s trying three miles for the first time under rules although he does have some very decent point to point form on his resume.

Gelino Bello was a very easy winner at Newbury last time out in a race that he was entitled to win. He’s improving all the time but he will have to step up his game if he’s to win again here. Like with many of Paul Nicholls runners, he swerved the temptation of Cheltenham to ready him for this event so it would be no surprise to see him involved at the finish.

The unbeaten Skytastic will do well to retain his unbeaten record here as he also steps up markedly in trip. He has shown great fighting qualities in his wins however and his latest run did give the impression that he is crying out for this further distance. Conditions look sure to suit and the Sam Thomas trained runner would be my each way selection here in a very open and exciting looking contest.

​

​