Newton Novices' Hurdle 2010

12.40 Haydock
Coronation Street 50th Anniversary Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Newton Novices' Hurdle) (Listed) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £10,412

Pick: Toubab (win)

Dunraven Storm: Only unplaced effort in 6 has come in the Champion Bumper last season which can be easily forgiven seeing as it was his second run; Has been impressive since, taking novice hurdle at Exeter by 11 lengths and then winning very strong event at Ascot in good style; Well clear of rest when no match for Cue Card last time and strong claims.

Pure Faith: Made all to beat Bridlingtonbygones 8 lengths for latest success at Sedgefield 11 days ago but this much tougher and well exposed by now.

Drill Sergeant: Very useful flat recruit (Royal Ascot winner; Stayed 2m) who has won 2 of his 3 starts over hurdles, though needed memorable ride from Tony McCoy over C&D for latest win; This needs a lot more from him.

Toubab: Has only had three runs for Paul Nicholls but has shown big promise on the last 2 runs, coming second to Triumph winner Soldatino and then fourth in Swinton Hurdle; Those efforts give him big chance here, especially getting 8lbs from Dunraven Storm and Pure Faith; Plenty of speed so should do fine in small field.

VERDICT: Another intriguing renewal of the race that produced Peddlers Cross last year. Dunraven Storm beat plenty of good horses when behind Cue Card last time out but he’ll do well to give 8lbs and a beating to TOUBAB, who himself holds some very useful form and has plenty of speed here. He rates the pick getting 8lbs from the exposed Pure Faith, and useful but temperamental Drill Sergeant.