16:40 Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Race preview

Oscar Elite (second) had the measure of Streets Of Doyen (third) and Alaphilippe (fifth) in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and might be able to confirm that form with drying ground in his favour. Bravemansgame finished third in the Ballymore at the festival and probably just about sets the form standard, but that looked a tough race up against a couple of superstars and he might be seen to better effect over fences next season. Cape Gentleman won the Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton earlier this year and has the services of Rachel Blackmore on board for the first time but, at a price, BOTHWELL BRIDGE catches the eye. He was 10 lengths behind Bravemansgame at Newbury in November, but he was a wide-margin winner at Hereford in February and drying ground will suit. Skipping Cheltenham looks a shrewd move by connections, and it is worth noting that Nicky Henderson has won the last two renewals of this with Champ and Santini.