After showing fine form in Ireland for previous owner Andrew Slattery, Metier will look to do the same for Harry Fry here. The gelding has made an excellent start to life over hurdles, picking up an easy win at Newton Abbot and should show strongly again here.
Gipsy De Choisel won on his hurdles debut in a field of 16 at Angers, improving near the finish to lead and secure the win. He’s hooded for this race but could still show improvement from that debut win.
Another who won on their hurdling debut was Nimix De Juilley, winning by half a length at Strasbourg in 2018. He’s back with a new trainer in Paul Nicholls after almost 800 days away, but could be in the right hands to return with a winner.
Nine-year-old gelding Deauville Dancer was only seen twice last season, but it could be a good mark that benefits his running here on debut for his new yard. Has previously been a strong contender in handicap chases for his previous yard, so could that carry form in.
Espoir De Guye only has three runs over hurdles last term, but he came on leaps and bounds in that time, picking up an easy win at Ascot in December. Pulled up in his last race at Cheltenham Festival, but the break could have done his chances some good.
Another who disappointed last time out at Cheltenham was Count Meribel but he’s dropped down a class to see if that helps. If his change of class pays off, he’s one to keep an eye on.
Buzz hasn’t quite found the form over hurdles that he has on the flat surface, but after running well on return in the Ffos Las Handicap, not being beaten by much, he could go well again. He’s gone up 1lb so it’s a big chance for him to impress.
San Seb won well in the Fakenham juvenile in December 2018, beating Song For Someone who’s now rated at 147. He’s got a long absence to overcome, but still has the potential to do well here for a new yard. One to keep an eye on.
