Challow Novices' Hurdle 2011

3.05 Newbury

Bathwick Tyres Challow Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £17,085

Advice: 2 pts Fingal Bay – Top Of The Range Straight Forecast (2.70 Bet365)

Ballyrock: 10 length point winner who proved hugely disappointing when only sixth on hurdling debut before getting the better of Listed bumper winner One Term at Hereford, an achievement made all the more useful by the fact it came after such a break; This still harder but respected.

Double Ross: Made the most of an easy opportunity at Folkestone last time when romping home from the front; This far harder and might have competition for the lead, so needs much more.

Fill The Power: Had the run of the race when winning by 27 lengths two starts back, but then well beaten at Aintree and while he bolted up again at Newcastle, this is a far stronger event.

Fingal Bay: Fingal Bay: Marked down as a hurdler to follow when taking home to win Exeter bumper by 22 lengths and backed that up when easing home to win Grade 2 at Chepstow by 6 lengths, hurdling fluently throughout; Since followed that up with Grade 2 wins at Cheltenham and Sandown, looking like a machine on both occasions; If anything, this a far easier assignment and should be making it 5-5 today.

Hard To Swallow: Another impressive point winner who won well on rules debut before disappointing in Perth maiden hurdle (form been let down); Looked in trouble but was still pitching in there when falling behind Fingal Bay latest; Could go well here but suspicion is that he was going to be well beaten at finish.

Top Of The Range: Hard at work to land short odds in Ffos Las Bumper back in April but drew well away after the last on hurdling debut in bumper there; Worthy of tougher tasks and interesting contender here.

VERDICT: If anything, this is the easiest task FINGAL BAY has had for a good while and defeat would be very disappointing. Top Of The Range might have more to give after his hurdling debut and is taken to follow him home.