1.55 2m. 4f. 9 Declared. Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £100,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €56,270.00 2nd - €21,200.00 3rd - €10,610.00 4th - €5,300.00 5th - €2,660.00 6th - €1,330.00 7th - €660.00 8th - €340.00
Formscan - Lulamba arrives on the back of a terrific effort in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Denied by only a neck on that occasion, the four-year-old takes on his elders including the unbeaten HORACES PEARL. Fergal O'Brien's charge has built on his promising bumper form, that culminated with a victory in the Grade 2 at this meeting last year, by winning both subsequent starts in maiden/novice hurdles and he's taken to make his mark at this level. Miami Magic finished a creditable runner-up in a Grade 1 contest here on Boxing Day and this extra distance should suit. He's preferred to maiden hurdle winner Koktail Divin, while Gordon Elliott has won the last three renewals and relies on Honesty Policy.