Bet & Watch At sunbets.co.uk Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:30 | Winning time: 4m 0.7s

Ashoka^p,t⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 120| D

7/1

9lb higher than when landing an Exeter handicap hurdle in April, though well beaten on his last two starts. Should be well versed for this chase debut and if he can perform to his ability then he would also look nicely treated.

Form: 611-369

Capsy De Mee²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: James Davies| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 115

9/4

Was a Grade Three bumper winner in France last year and had just three outings over hurdles before making his chasing debut at Stratford (2m3½f, good) last time, running a 2L second there. Up 3lb for that but not without a chance.

Form: 3/1953-2

Pemba²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-4| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 112| D

3/1

Handicapper collared her for back to back wins a couple of seasons ago, putting further hurdling success out of reach. Similar story so far over fences. Becoming more competitive now sliding in the weights but likely to find a couple too good today.

Form: 252F3-4

Stealing Mix^t¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: N D Fehily| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 109

5/2

Won an Exeter maiden hurdle (2m2½f, good) in April but well beaten in both handicap hurdles and chases since, despite being runner-up the last twice. Will need to make this a real test or could be found wanting for toe at the business end.

Form: 621-822

Perseid¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 106| C

7/1

Won a 2m1f hurdle here in December from 1lb higher, but lacked fluency when tried over fences on a couple of occasions. Clearly has the ability to make an impact from this mark if he can fence with more conviction.

Form: 69-3445

Forecasts

Capsy De Mee (9/4), Stealing Mix (5/2), Pemba (3/1), Ashoka (7/1), Perseid (7/1)

Ashoka should be capable of a good performance in this field, though he does have a bit to prove after his last two starts and preference is for CAPSY DE MEE. Jamie Snowden's gelding has a touch of class about him and also has chasing experience on his side. He can build on his debut in this sphere and score. Pemba can get more competitive after another 1lb drop, while Perseid could be the fly in the ointment if his jumping issues have been ironed out.