Timeform Daily: Sharp Novices' Hurdle, Friday, Cheltenham 14:25

Nicholls and Henderson both hold claims here.

Timeform examine the runners aiming to land the Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle...

Court Minstrel was a useful bumper performer who won twice at Ludlow last season. Made the perfect start over hurdles when beating The Romford Pele 3 lengths over C&D last month, and open to significant improvement.

Dodging Bullets was one of the leading juvenile hurdlers last season when fourth in the Triumph on just his second start. Resumed progress when beating Hi Note in C&D minor event on return, and sets the form standard.

Magic Spear is a bumper winner who looked a good prospect when taking 16-runner maiden hurdle at Killarney in September. Only third of 5 at Listowel last time, but winner has since won in Grade 3 company.

Run With The Wind has plenty of hurdling experience, winning minor event at Ballinrobe in May and novices at Killarney in July and Listowel in September. Already useful, but more exposed than most at this level.

Ted Dolly is no great battler, and sole win over hurdles came in a modest affair at Cork in August. Unseated rider on chase debut at Ballinrobe last time.

Duke of Navan was placed on both bumper starts in the spring, and was impressive when slamming 9 rivals on hurdles bow at Newcastle last month. No easy task at this level, but ought to win more races.

Tominator was a useful staying handicapper on Flat, and created a good impression when winning 17f novice at Bangor on hurdles debut despite a mixed round of jumping. Type to do much better in time.

River Maigue is a point winner from family of useful hurdler Spirit Leader. Built on promise of bumper debut when winning impressively at Ayr in April, and bright prospect for hurdles on that evidence

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Dodging Bullets
2. Court Minstrel
3. River Maigue

Timeform View: Dodging Bullets sets a solid standard, and ought to go very close, although it won't be one-way traffic with impressive C&D winner Court Minstrel, smart bumper winner River Maigue and classy Flat performer Tominator all holding claims in a strong-looking contest.

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