Read Barry Geraghty's Blog On attheraces.com Novices' Chase

Off time: 13:06 | Winning time: 4m 32.20s

Rather Be¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 143

1/7

Smart hurdler who won a Grade 3 at Aintree in the spring. Began his chasing career with a performance at least as good as that, making all for an impressive success at Towcester (2m, good to soft) last month. Handles heavy. Very tough to beat.

Form: 12U18-1

Gregarious^h,t³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: L P Aspell| T: L Wadham| OR: 114

16/1

Handles deep ground. Did well in the early past of last year, winning both a novices' hurdle and then a handicap on debut, both on soft at Sandown. Jumped poorly on chase debut when pulled up, but much better last time and has something to build on.

Form: 3119-P4

San Pedro De Senam^t³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-10| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 122| D

7/1

Won a heavy ground hurdle in France (2m1f) 15-months ago. Put up a reasonable effort on second chase start when 21L second of two behind Sceau Royal at Warwick in November, though not as good here last time. Second best in the field on paper.

Form: 462-823

Non-Runners

Hab Sab³⁴

Weight: 11-0| Age: 6

T: Mrs L C Jewell J: Tom Cannon

Forecasts

Rather Be (1/7), San Pedro De Senam (7/1), Gregarious (16/1), Hab Sab (50/1)

Nicky Henderson looks to have found a very good opportunity for RATHER BE to add a second chase success to his CV under a penalty, after a very impressive effort first time. Loftier targets surely await his seven-year-old. San Pedro De Senam is proven on heavy ground and appears the one most likely to present a challenge to the selection, though Gregarious took a step in the right direction last time and could make a race of it for the minors.