On The Blind Side sets the standard in hot running of race with strong history

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Winter Novices' Hurdle ) | Grade 2 | 4yo+ | 2m4f | RUK

Nicky Henderson's Cheltenham Grade 2 winner On The Blind Side heads a particularly strong entry for a novice hurdle that has a rich tradition and features Gold Cup winner See More Business, Grand National winner Neptune Collonges and outstanding staying hurdler Inglis Drever among its past winners.

The five-year-old picked up well when switched for his challenge and won going away, but he incurs a 5lb penalty for success at that level and faces even tougher opposition.

Henderson said: "He's in good form and has done everything right so far. He's not stepping up in trip, but he's stepping up in class again. I don't think the ground will be a problem unless it was bottomless, which it shouldn't be.

Long wait

Neptune Collonges was surprisingly Paul Nicholls' last winner of this race, and that was 12 years ago. It's been a long wait for another, and while he describes Dynamite Dollars as a "nice horse" and can excuse his most recent defeat, he fears this might be a bit too hot for him.

He said: "He ran well last time but 2m was too short for him and he was caught flat-footed in a falsely run race. This trip will suit him better, and he'll run well, but it's a very hot race."

Winners between the flags

Nicholls' former assistant Dan Skelton saddles the unbeaten Marley Firth, who is one of several with point-to-point form. He is hopeful, but acknowledges the strength of the opposition.

Skelton said: "He's taking a massive step up in grade, but we want to find out where he stands. He'll stay, and any rain is a bonus. I'm happy with him."

Fellow point-to-point winner Red River made an impressive hurdles debut on good ground at Wincanton.

Kim Bailey said: "We are throwing him in at the deep end, but we think he's a nice horse. He wants decentish ground, which is one of the reasons we are coming here. We'll see what he's like."

Pick of the past winners

1995 See More Business - won Gold Cup and two King Georges

1998 Barton - won Sun Alliance and Aintree Hurdles

1999 What's Up Boys - won Hennessy Gold Cup

2003 Inglis Drever - triple winner of Stayers' Hurdle

2005 Neptune Collonges - won Grand National

2008 Junior - won Kim Muir

2011 Fingal Bay - won Challow Hurdle and Pertemps Final

2012 Taquin de Seuil - won BetVictor Gold Cup

2016 Messire Des Obeaux - won Challow Hurdle

Recovery mission

Mulcahy's Hill and White Moon have both won two out of two over hurdles this season, and Springtown Lake would have done so too but for stumbling and falling several strides of the last, when seven lengths clear and still extending his advantage, in a Wincanton handicap off 129 last time.

Philip Hobbs is another who does not underestimate the opposition but said: "He obviously would have won at Wincanton so I hope he has a decent each-way chance.

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