2m½f (2m103y) William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Formerly Registered As The Tolworth Hurdle) (GBB) (Class 1) (3yo+)
It looks a pretty wide-open Grade 1 formerly known as the Tolworth hurdle. Royal Bond winner Farren Glory has the best form on paper being a Grade 1 winner already, but the substance of that race looks potentially quite weak. Jango Baie is clearly a well-regarded individual but he looked quite novicey on his opening hurdles start and may just need a few more runs to be seen as his best.
Two against the field I like are JULY FLOWER and KAMSINAS. Starting with the latter, Kamsinas is the highest-rated runner in the race, has already secured a Grade 2 and already looks like quite an accomplished straightforward hurdler for Fergal O’Brien. His connections picks this race up last season and he is a pacey looking individual who seems overpriced considering his only hurdles defeat was to Lookaway at Cheltenham where he got interfered with before the straight.
I’m also going to take a chance on July Flower who could be dangerously dismissed if the ground comes up very soft. She has already claimed two Grade 2 hurdles in France and came second to a very good sort in a Grade 1 last time out. July Flower gets 7lbs from her rivals here and could be underestimated given her lack of British form.
1pt win July Flower @6/1, 13:05 Aintree, Tuesda
1pt win Kamsinas @17/2, 13:05 Aintree, Tuesday