Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle Tips & Betting Preview

Tip: CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN at 6/4

IN SUMMARY: CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN (6/4) was an excellent third in last year’s Champion Bumper behind the ill-fated Fayonagh and that form has been thoroughly franked since. He made a lovely start over hurdles when beating a subsequent winner and could be hard to beat here. Slate House won a Grade two last time but the form isn’t working out as well as expected.

1 SLATE HOUSE – An expensive purchase from the point-to-point scene who has begun to live up to his lofty reputation. He is unbeaten under rules with two authoritative wins at Cheltenham including a Grade 2 and he should go well if handling this track.

2 CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN – The Champion Bumper form is working out as well as it could be so far and Nicky Henderson’s charge was beaten just under three lengths there. He made a smooth hurdling debut when beating a useful prospect quite comfortably, should have a big say here.

3 COEUR BLIMEY – Rated 130 after five starts over hurdles where he has recorded one win and placed on two other occasions. He is a useful horse in his own right and has won over course and distance but is up against some potential stars here and needs to improve plenty to win.

4 DR DES – Was sent off 33/1 last time when pushing Mr One More all the way to the line to be denied just a neck. The winner was probably value for a bit more that day but it was a big step forward nonetheless and further improvement could see him go close again.

5 MR ONE MORE – Unbeaten in three starts under rules and has looked classy in both hurdles starts to date. He did well to win despite a blunder at the last time and looks to have plenty more to come but has looked slightly green however and will need to have matured here as this is harder.

6 THECLOCKISTICKING – Was second in his only bumper start and filled the runner up position again on his hurdles bow but has improved since then. He comes here in search of a hat-trick and although he may not have beaten too much so far he is very progressive and should be respected.