3.20pm Stratford Tips & Betting Preview 02/11/2017

3.20pm Stratford tips for Thursday’s Class 3 race. A field of 11 go to post for this two mile Novices’ Hurdle. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: There can be no doubt that if Western Ryder jumps fluently he’s going to be very close here and he’s reportedly schooled very well, so everything looks set for a win with Dicky Johnson booked for the ride.

1 FLASHING GLANCE – Course and distance winner three starts ago who has been transformed by the switch to front-running tactics lately. Sets the standard form wise and is the one to beat under Tom Scudamore with conditions to suit.

2 BLAZON – Promising horse in bumpers for Kim Bailey who has struggled in two runs over timber, perhaps with the softer ground to blame. Should be happier back on better ground and is an each way contender under David Bass.

3 DON’T ACT UP – Won a point-to-point out in Ireland for Ian Williams but two runs under rules have been underwhelming so far. Far more is needed here and he’s likely to be suited by a bigger stamina test in handicaps.

4 FRANZ KLAMMER – Pulled up on hurdling debut for Charlie Longsdon and he was beaten out of sight on his seasonal reappearance over course and distance last month. Impossible to make a case for him.

5 HONEST VIC – Won a Towcester bumper for Henry Daly and he did show some promise on his hurdling debut, finishing sixth and half a length behind Blazon. Needs to settle better but he’s unexposed and a strong each way player.

6 LUBATIC – Won a very weak bumper at Wincanton in April and showed little to work with when only 12th on hurdling debut at Chepstow last month. Best to look elsewhere on this occasion.

7 MIDNIGHT MAGIC – Not one of David Pipe’s poorer horses, well beaten on all three of his hurdling starts. He was tailed off last week and couldn’t be recommended here.

8 SHINE’S BAR – Well held on all three of his runs so far, two in bumpers and one over hurdles. He was always in the final pair when fifth at Worcester last month and it’s hard to see him taking this despite the yard’s great form.

9 THE FLAME – Form has regressed since a very encouraging rules debut at Chepstow in March in a bumper, tailed off on both hurdling runs thus far for Jonjo O’Neill. His pedigree suggests he needs further and is another to dismiss.

10 WESTERN RYDER – Very smart bumper form for Warren Greatrex, finishing third in the Aintree Grade 2 Bumper back in April. If taking to hurdling he’s going to be going very close here, but he won’t get away with mistakes against Flashing Glance.

11 BISOUBISOU – Well held in two runs for Dan Skelton, showing very little and she’s since joined the Olly Murphy yard. This team tends to do well with these types, but this looks a big ask and a big leap of faith is required.