Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Graduation Chase

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 4m 0.28s

Jovial Joey^t¹³¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Dale Irving| T: M A Barnes| OR: 132

33/1

Had the race in the bag at Perth in April (3m novices limited handicap) when pursuer Petite Power made a hash of the last fence, finishing an eased down 2L winner. Has struggled off his revised mark since and hit the deck himself at Perth in July.

Form: 1231-PU

King's Odyssey²⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 142

3/1

A two time winner over fences, including at Cheltenham (2m5f heavy) in January 2016. Highly tried, but not over-raced last season, and on paper, this theoretically represents his easiest assignment in a while.

Form: 11/3F30-

Derintoher Yank^h²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 131| CD

9/4

Unbeaten in three starts at Carlisle (2m to 2m4f), and posted a solid round of fencing when making all to score over C&D on just his second ever chasing start last month (beating Beau Bay by 2L). Tougher, but much respected.

Form: 257711

Nuts Well¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: Mrs A Hamilton| OR: 136| D

1/1

Hardy hurdler on any type of ground over 2m (likes Newcastle). Travelled well throughout on his chasing debut over C&D last month when just out-pointed by the very talented Jonniesofa. Every chance of going one better with experience gained.

Form: 32215-2

Forecasts

Nuts Well (1/1), Derintoher Yank (9/4), King's Odyssey (3/1), Jovial Joey (33/1)

As is seemingly the norm in these Graduation Chases, a compact field of four face the starter. Derintoher Yank adores Carlisle, and whilst this is by far his toughest test yet, he's feared if allowed an uncontested lead. However, the hardy hurdler NUTS WELL posted an excellent chasing debut when narrowly out-pointed by the returning Jonniesofa in a C&D Beginners Chase last month, and this smooth travelling six-year-old will have taken plenty of confidence (and gained a fitness boost) from that outing.