mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase

Off time: 13:16 | Winning time: 6m 42.1s

Ballyoptic¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: R Johnson| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 155| D

10/11

High-class staying hurdler who was impressive when making a winning debut over fences at Exeter. More required against two talented rivals, but has the scope to develop into one of the season's best staying novice chasers.

Form: F4P5-51

Black Corton^t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Bryony Frost| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150| CD

4/1

Has come a long way over fences and has been superbly placed to land five of his seven chases by his top trainer. Won over C&D last time, but benefited from the fall of a major rival and is pitched against two potential top-notchers.

Form: 121111

West Approach²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard

7/4

A half-brother to the top-class Thistlecrack, he promised more than he delivered over hurdles. That said, he did show a high level of form and there was nothing wrong with his winning chase debut at Ffos Las. Big chance in receipt of weight.

Form: 5U3PP-1

Forecasts

Ballyoptic (10/11), West Approach (7/4), Black Corton (4/1)

Cases can be made for all three of these. Black Corton has been skilfully placed and has to be respected, but he meets two potential top-notchers in West Approach and BALLYOPTIC. The latter is extremely tough and may be able to grind this out up the hill.