GB - Cheltenham - Race 6

Thoroughbred

8 Runners

19.9f

Maiden Hurdle

Turf

Good to Soft

27.5K

VIEW

Verdict

Plenty worth considering but preference is for PERCY SHELLEY, who looked a useful prospect when making a winning hurdling debut at Uttoxeter last month and he's since walked over at Ludlow. He can maintain an unbeaten start in this sphere at the expense of Don Virginia, who bolted up in a Worcester handicap 4 weeks ago and now returns to novice company. Dalston Lad completes the shortlist on return/hurdling bow for the Skeltons.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
5	Racked up 5 consecutive seconds on the Flat before readily making a winning hurdling debut in maiden at Uttoxeter last month, his superior stamina as a stayer on the level giving him the edge on his main market rival. Walked over at Ludlow earlier in the month and remains open to improvement. 1st Pick 5 Percy Shelley Jockey: Sean Bowen Trainer: James Owen J: Sean Bowen T: James Owen	92	-	-	-	20%
Analysis Racked up 5 consecutive seconds on the Flat before readily making a winning hurdling debut in maiden at Uttoxeter last month, his superior stamina as a stayer on the level giving him the edge on his main market rival. Walked over at Ludlow earlier in the month and remains open to improvement.
1	Off the mark at Southwell in June and has remained in good heart, taking his form up a notch when bolting up sporting cheekpieces in 15-runner handicap at Worcester (20f, good to soft) 4 weeks ago. Yet to finish outside the first 2 under this rider so he's a must for the shortlist back in a novice. 2nd Pick 1 Don Virginia (Fr) Jockey: Richie Mclernon Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O'neill J: Richie Mclernon T: Jonjo & A.J. O'neill	99	-	-	-	29%
Analysis Off the mark at Southwell in June and has remained in good heart, taking his form up a notch when bolting up sporting cheekpieces in 15-runner handicap at Worcester (20f, good to soft) 4 weeks ago. Yet to finish outside the first 2 under this rider so he's a must for the shortlist back in a novice.
6	Won sole start in Irish points and successful on first 2 starts under Rules, making all in bumpers at Ayr and Aintree. Made no impact in a much tougher race when well beaten in the Champion Bumper but he warrants respect on return/hurdling debut for leading connections. 3rd Pick 6 Dalston Lad (Ire) Jockey: Harry Skelton Trainer: Dan Skelton J: Harry Skelton T: Dan Skelton	0	-	-	-	46%
Analysis Won sole start in Irish points and successful on first 2 starts under Rules, making all in bumpers at Ayr and Aintree. Made no impact in a much tougher race when well beaten in the Champion Bumper but he warrants respect on return/hurdling debut for leading connections.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Dead Heat

Two or more horses finishing so close at the wire, that they were unable to be separated on a photo finish and deemed to have tied.

Bobble/Stumble

A slip or a duck from a horse trying to leave the starting gates, often caused by the surface giving way under the feet. This can range from a mild misstep to a stumble down to their knees.

Minus Pool

A pari-mutuel pool – typically a show pool - where one horse is so heavily bet that after deductions there is not enough money left to cover the prescribed minimum on each bet.