Nyman Libson Paul Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 14:43 | Winning time: 4m 3.9s

Scoop The Pot^t²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 131| D

5/2

An improved performer over hurdles of late, this dual 2m7f Worcester scorer (good) dug deep to repel the reliable Terry The Fish latest. Switches to fences now for the first time in what is likely to be a tactical affair.

Form: P/F5-131

Cyrname^h,t³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: S Bowen| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 130

15/8

Still to make an impression in the UK (hurdles winner at Pau). Given a recent run over hurdles to blow away the summer cobwebs, and switched to chasing for the first time, but on ground which looks plenty quick enough for him.

Form: 521/56-7

Darebin¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 123| D

6/5

Has experience over fences on quick ground, and off the mark at Ludlow in late October. Whilst a fortunate winner (left clear by the fall of subsequent winner Robinshill), he could seek to put his rivals lack of experience to the test.

Form: 1630-21

Forecasts

Darebin (6/5), Cyrname (15/8), Scoop The Pot (5/2)

A poor numerical turnout, and a contest in which tactics are likely to play a significant part. Darebin has chasing experience, and is a (fortunate) winner over fences, but it's fair to say that he's probably not quite as talented as his other two rivals. Cyrname is yet to click for Paul Nicholls, but chasing is potentially his vocation (albeit perhaps better on softer ground), so the hardy good ground hurdler SCOOP THE POT rates as the selection. This trip is on the short side for him, so he could be asked to make all for Tom O'Brien, rather than risk being exposed for a turn of foot late in the contest.