Smarkets Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 5m 55.67s

1^st

Dashing Perk

711-2

6/4

T: Dr R D P NewlandJ: H Cobden

Led, headed after 3rd, led before 2 out, soon clear, easily op 9/4

2^nd

Criq Rock

711-2

4/1

T: A KingJ: Wayne Hutchinson

In rear and in touch, went 2nd before 2 out, kept on and no chance with winner op 16/5 tchd 5/2 and tchd 5/1

3^rd

Big Time Frank

711-2

100/1

T: P GundryJ: Tom Cheesman (5)

Tracked leaders, outpaced from 3 out

4^th

Rhaegar

711-2

1/1f

T: K C BaileyJ: David Bass

With leader, led after 3rd, pushed along before 2 out, soon weakened op 10/11 tchd 11/10

Watch Race Replay

Unlimited race replays of all UK & Irish racing

Betting Breakdown

Tote Win:£2.30EX:£11.00Trifecta:£27.50SF:£7.60

Forecasts

Rhaegar (1/1), Dashing Perk (6/4), Criq Rock (4/1), Big Time Frank (100/1)

Though he hasn't been able to get his head in front over hurdles yet, this could be an excellent chance for CRIQ ROCK to get off the mark. Having finished second to promising horses such as Topofthegame and Thomas Campbell, he can overcome an absence here to score against some rivals who are yet to seriously convince. Rhaegar is easily the best of the rest and retains plenty of potential to improve after dead-heating in a novice event at Chepstow last time, and while it would be a big surprise if neither of these two won Dashing Perk is comfortably third best.