Download The App At 188Bet Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 11.9s

Modus²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: B J Geraghty| T: P F Nicholls| C| D

1/2

Rated on a par with West Approach over hurdles and looks a really useful chaser judged on two foot perfect rounds at Bangor and Wincanton. This should be a stiffer test, but he looks the most reliable option and trainer is 3-4 in this contest

Form: 7165-11

West Approach²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard

15/8

Thistlecrack's half-brother impressed with his jumping on his chase debut, however he was more hesitant at Cheltenham and finished tailed off. That effort, and the way he lost form during the spring, temper enthusiasm at present.

Form: U3PP-13

Le Boizelo⁶³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: James Best| T: R Walford| OR: 123

40/1

Not as good as the principals over hurdles and likely to need this experience after 21 months on the sidelines.

Form: 51941U/

Report To Base⁵⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 130

12/1

Plenty to find with the main protagonists on hurdling form. Looks the type to do better over fences, but he needs to show a lot more than he did at Carlisle.

Form: 1/1225-8

Forecasts

Modus (1/2), West Approach (15/8), Report To Base (12/1), Le Boizelo (40/1)

West Approach was never happy over the Cheltenham fences last time and connections will be hoping he can bounce back on this more conventional circuit. MODUS was his equal over hurdles and appears an entirely more straightforward chaser having impressively landed both stars over these obstacles. An on song West Approach would provide a sterner test, however MODUS looks a more mature horse than in the past and his stable have an excellent record in this.