Nigel Hawke Raceday Experiences Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Ex-Irish gelding was runner-up in a point but came in a well-held seventh for his new yard in 2m novice on his hurdling debut at Kelso last October; has fitness to prove here.

65,000euros foal, £10,000 5yo; Getaway gelding; dam, placed in bumper/2m hurdle, is a half-sister to winners Simonsig (high-class 2m-2m5f hurdle/chase) and Dusart (smart 2m-3m hurdle/chase); maiden Irish pointer; market can guide on his hurdling debut.

Son of Affinisea proved progressive in three Irish bumpers, showing fairly useful form when scoring at Naas in April; changed hands for £40,000 subsequently and rates an interesting newcomer for yard among the winners.

45,000euros 3yo, £5,500 5yo; Storm The Stars gelding; dam, French 11.5f/1m7f winner, is a half-sister to 2m2f-2m6f hurdle/chase winner Sainte Doctor; fifth in a pair of Irish points in the spring and needs considering starting out over hurdles for good yard.

Holds good claims on the form of his Doncaster 2m novice second last November but he failed to go on in three subsequent outings, hooded when beating just one at Carlisle (2m1f) in March; he needs to get back on track on his return.