Mitie Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 5m 26.70s

Finian's Oscar¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: B J Cooper| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 155| BF

6/5

Broadly impressive on his first two starts over fences at Chepstow and Cheltenham (more so on the first occasion). However, he posted an inexplicable effort at Sandown a fortnight ago (2m, Grade 1). Seeks to rebuild over a more suitable trip.

Form: 112-113

Acting Lass²⁹

Age: 15| Weight: 11-0| J: Unknown| T: H Fry| OR: 141| D

Form: 124-1

Adrien Du Pont²¹

Age: 14| Weight: 11-0| J: Unknown| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 145| C

Form: 43UP-13

Benatar³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 148| C

7/4

Beaten over 8L when fourth to Finian's Oscar in the Grade 1 Mersey Hurdle at Aintree in April, but is two from two over fences (2m3f here and at Plumpton). Up in trip, but could possess the all important tactical speed.

Form: 1424-11

Jonniesofa⁵⁷

Age: 16| Weight: 11-0| J: Craig Nichol| T: R Dobbin| OR: 138

Form: 21219/1

Le Rocher²⁷

Age: 16| Weight: 11-0| J: Unknown| T: Nick Williams

Form: 4212-07

Reigning Supreme²⁷³

Age: 15| Weight: 11-0| J: Unknown| T: N J Henderson| OR: 134| D

Form: F2/141-

Rocklander⁶

Age: 17| Weight: 11-0| J: Unknown| T: T R George| OR: 139| BF

Form: 2220-1U

Dolos^t²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 144| C

7/2

Useful hurdler who finished runner up in a 2m handicap at Chepstow on his seasonal reappearance. Switched to fences more latterly, and made an emphatic start when scoring by 29L in a Beginners Chase here last month (2m3f).

Form: 212-201

Happy Diva³⁴

Age: 15| Weight: 10-7| J: Unknown| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 128| BF

Form: 4222-32

Forecasts

Finian's Oscar (6/5), Benatar (7/4), Dolos (7/2)

Finian's Oscar is turned out quickly after his Sandown blip, with connections surely hopeful that this step up in trip will play more to his strengths. He is top-rated of this trio, but with penalties accumulated doesn't have much in hand of his other rivals. It is quite possible that he'll be asked to make all of the running by his rider, but if the margins aren't set to test stamina, that could make him a sitting duck for previous course winner BENATAR. Gary Moore's Beneficial gelding is unbeaten in two starts over fences, and whilst not overly impressive at Plumpton latest, he looked strong in scoring here (in a lesser contest) previously. Soft ground might not be ideal for Benatar, but shouldn't trouble Dolos who bids to exploit his four-year-old's allowance in a very trappy small field contest.