Molson Coors Novices' Hurdle 2012

3.00 Exeter

Molson Coors Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £7,505

Advice: 3 pts win Molotof (9/4 Bet365)

Chesil Beach Boy: Looking for a four timer following two handicap wins but shown tricky traits on both occasions, upped in class and now without rider’s 7lbs claim.

Moltof: Showed useful form when runner – up on both starts in French juvenile hurdles; Made pleasing UK debut when second to Zarkandar at Kempton and travelled well in Triumph before run flattened out; Unbeaten since, winning easily at Wincanton before landing Listed event at Haydock (may have had to work harder than expected but slow pace wouldn’t have helped); Impressed with strong attitude at the finish after clattering the last in Grade 2 at Ascot, and should go well here despite being anorched with big penalty.

Montbazon: One of the best bumper horses of last season, running out a clear cut winner of DBS Bumper at Donaster (previously run second to Cheltenham Bumper) before running into subsequent Graded winner Steps To Freedom at Aintree; Slight disappointment on November return but better since, bumping into should be Grade 1 winner Colour Squadron at Newbury in soft ground before hacking up in giveaway race at Plumpton last time; Bold bid expected.

Barry The Barber: Looks to have a hopeless task based on his three runs.

Theology: Useful on the flat in his prime, notably when second in Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, but lost his way a bit since and disappointed on hurdling debut.

Urbain De Sivola: Deeply impressive on his third start (had blown any chance with jumping errors on first two occasions) when coming right away from Ranjaan, who has shown himself to be useful since with two subsequent wins (granted he’ll have improved since ); Should be taken seriously  in receipt of large amount of weight thanks to 4yo allowance, as he has some of best form in the race.

VERDICT: A top quality matchup between three high class and equally promising novices in MOLOTOF, Montbazon and Urbain De Sivola. Molotof has to give away upwards of 4lbs to his rivals but he’s 3 from three this season, looking a stronger horse than he did last season, when second to Triumph winner Zarkandar and midfield in a strong renewal of said race, and he can underline himself as a Festival candidate with victory here.