Paper Roses at Hexham tomorrow

Paper Roses has run several fine races over hurdles - she was a close second in the Northern Lights Series Mares Hurdle Final just over a year ago - but remains a maiden and so is qualified to run in novice events. Her 2017-18 season was curtailed slightly when she picked up a knock and a line can be drawn through her last appearance at Sedgefield in March.
So, tomorrow in the 2m mares' novices hurdle at Hexham she faces 4 opponents and has shown the best form so far. But......each of her 4 opponents has won a race whether on the flat, in a bumper, over hurdles or in the Irish Point field.

Nicky fields the likely favourite in Derriana Spirit and Brian Hughes is booked to ride. She actually started favourite on her hurdling debit last month when runner up to Lucinda's well thought of Highland Hunter. Racing a bit keenly, with a couple of novicey jumps on that occasion, she seems sure to improve for the experience.
Iconic Belle was a very experienced flat performer prior to winning on debut at Musselburgh last month, over 1m 7½f on good ground - the Racing Post correspondent described her jumping as somewhere between 'mediocre and abysmal' - so it'll be interesting to see how she copes with 2 miles around Hexham on soft ground. A likely pace setter.
Like Iconic Belle, Sam England's Drumochter is a winner on the level over 10 furlongs although at a slightly lower level. She has shown progressive form in her two hurdle races to date, but would seem to need to improve further still to be involved in the finish here.
Trevor Hemmings' home-bred mare Madam Cloud won her Irish Point easily but none of her opponents that finished that day have shown much since, and her two runs this season suggests that she will benefit from more time and a staying trip.

Interesting little race, and Paper Roses has been pleasing us with her work at home. She can go well fresh, so we think she'll be competitive on her seasonal debut tomorrow. Callum is in the saddle as usual.

Good luck to Ian Aitken, Ron & Eileen Smith - and hope you enjoy the day!