Dovecote Novices' Hurdle 2011

3.35 Kempton

williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £12,086

Pick: Celtus (win)

Points Of View: Won three on the bounce once fitted with a tongue tie in the summer but struggled since the better types have come out and has it all to do now.

Toubab: Has only had four starts for Paul Nicholls but has shown big promise , coming second to Triumph winner Soldatino and then fourth in Swinton Hurdle; Looked set to be a big player on the novice hurdle scene when cantering to win 4 runner novice hurdle but disappointing when put into Grade 1 company in Tolworth Hurdle last time; Should be happier back on better ground although has a lot to answer following a sub standard effort and the form of the Tolworth isn’t working out at all.

Sire De Grugy: Progressive sort who had little trouble brushing aside modest opposition at Fakenham and Folkestone the last twice; Well worth rise in class here although doubts over form and worthiness of performances in a handicapping sense.

Yourgonnabelucky: Been well beaten by both Solis and Al Ferof on both starts; Has a lot to do.

Celtus: Has won three out of four starts over hurdles in France, beating same rival on two of those occasions, and sealing latest win with a good jump at the last; Clearly well regarded and well up to making grade.

Empire Levant: Struggled for greenness when third behind useful pair in Titan De Sarti and Third Intention, and made amends quickly when fairly coasting home from Palawi at Doncaster; Very useful prospect.

Pullyourfingerout: Landed back-to-back juvenile hurdles in the autumn and better form again when second at Cheltenham; Lot more on his plate here tought and will find it hard making an impact.

VERDICT: Toubab should be happier on better ground and will be fancied to make amends for his lacklustre showing in the Tolworth Hurdle but that form’s not been working out and giving 9lbs to French import CELTUS will be a difficult task.