Race of the Day / Timeform / 10 November 2011 /

Whilst the clash between Cue Card and Grands Crus could be scintillating in the closing novice chase on the first day of Cheltenham's Open meeting, the Grade 2 Sharp Novices' Hurdle, won by the first-named last year, looks just as intriguing...

Absolutlyfantastic confirmed the impression he created when landing a Killarney bumper with a smooth win on hurdling debut at Gowran in September. Good runner-up effort last time, but bare form not at required level.

Redera maintained a steep upward curve over hurdles when landing a 2m Roscommon handicap in June. Not gone on from that win since, however, and even a return to best leaves him vulnerable.

Steps to Freedom marked himself out as a high-class prospect in one of the best bumpers of the season at Aintree, and has done nothing to alter that view both starts over hurdles. Will take all the beating.

Flycorn reached the frame on 5 of his 6 starts in bumpers and off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles at Tipperary last month. This a much tougher assignment, though.

Prospect Wells was useful at up to 1½m on Flat for Howard Johnson and he made a pretty faultless transition to hurdling when a taking winner at Chepstow last month. Can only improve and must be of interest.

Sublime Talent was sold relatively cheaply from Dermot Weld's stable, but matched the pick of form for that yard when forcing a dead-heat on debut for Evan Williams last month. This a big step up in class.

Ericht was a slightly disappointing sixth in the Champion Bumper having gone off favourite following 2 ready wins. Pedigree, looks and connections all point to him making his mark over obstacles.

Gumball showed fairly useful form when placed both starts in bumpers earlier in the year. Type to do better over hurdles, but pulled too hard on opening stab and this looks way too tough.

Ohio Gold was a bumper winner who has finished placed on 5 of 7 starts over hurdles, including on last week's reappearance at Chepstow. Suspicion is he'll find at least a couple too strong again.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Steps to Freedom
2. Prospect Wells
3. Ericht

Timeform View: Steps To Freedom looks set for the very top, and can maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles. Prospect Wells can only improve following a taking hurdling debut and is an obvious threat, with smart bumper performer Ericht completing the shortlist.

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