Racecards
19:15 Newton Abbot
June O'Dwyer Birthday Girl Novices' Hurdle (Class D) (Class D)
- 9 Runners
- Distance: 2m 6f
- Going: Good, Good to Soft in places

- Form 23661-3
- Age 6
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer P & M Bowen
- Jockey R Johnson
chased leaders, ridden 7th, weakened after 3 out

- Form 054-122
- Age 5
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer J & A O'Neill
- Jockey A P McCoy
held up in touch, ridden to lead approaching 7th, headed approaching 2 out, kept on

- Form 5053-P1
- Age 5
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer M C Pipe
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
raced wide, held up rear, smooth headway 7th, led approaching 2 out, mistake last, ridden out

Miss Lewis
13- Form 00P0-13
- Age 6
- Weight 11-1
held up rear, ridden and some headway after 7th, 3rd and weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up before 2 out

- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Evan Williams
- Jockey Christian Williams
behind, tailed off from 6th, pulled up after 3 out

Le Forezien (FR)
165- Form 4/0F21P-
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
in touch, ridden approaching 7th, soon weakened, went poor 3rd after 2 out


Sir Henbue
477- Form P00P/
- Age 8
- Weight 11-0
in touch until 4th, soon behind, tailed off and pulled up before 6th

- Form UP
- Age 7
- Weight 10-9
chased leader, led approaching 5th, hit 6th, headed next, soon weakened
In depth
Verdict
The enigmatic Vodka Bleu came good last time, but preference today is for Global Challenge, with Celtic Boy also expected to run well. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding was successful over course and distance last month and hasn't been disgraced since in two decent races, including a handicap hurdle at Fontwell won by Just Kate. Vodka Bleu takes a step down in trip after beating a modest field at Worcester, he rarely runs two races alike but if in the mood will be a big danger to the selection. Celtic Boy slaughtered a moderate field at Worcester back in April and if as effective on this firmer surface will be a tough nut to crack. Miss Lewis also has recent winning form and could be in the shake up, but Global Challenge is possibly the most consistent in the field and gets our vote.