Dick Christian Novices' Chase

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 4m 16.20s

Optimus Prime^t⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: N D Fehily| T: D Skelton| OR: 145| D

4/6

140-rated hurdler who has already passed that mark over fences after just two runs in Britain (also had three in France). Was an impressive 12L scorer at Plumpton (2m1f, good to soft) last month. Will be tough to beat under penalty.

Form: P6-2411

Rayvin Black^p²²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Thomas Garner⁽³⁾| T: O Sherwood| OR: 136| D

5/4

Loves to get his toe in and was of very similar ability to Optimus Prime over hurdles. Had one try over fences last year at Hereford (2m, soft) but lacked fluency and beaten 34L. If his jumping has been ironed out then he couldn't be ruled out.

Form: 57-5227

Sussex Road^p⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Dave Crosse| T: A Sadik| OR: 52

66/1

Regular bridesmaid who is consistently beaten by wide margins and has made the frame just six times from 25 attempts over fences. Way short of the ability of the others in this line-up and something drastic would have to happen for him to win this.

Form: 5PP334

The Lion Man³³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: J M Quinlan| T: R Dickin| OR: 66

25/1

Had a couple of attempts over fences but failed to complete on both occasions. Been back over hurdles for his last six starts and comfortably held each time and if the top two perform then the best he can hope for here is third prize.

Form: F-854F8

Forecasts

Optimus Prime (4/6), Rayvin Black (5/4), The Lion Man (25/1), Sussex Road (66/1)

Although there was little to choose between them over hurdles, OPTIMUS PRIME has looked more of a natural chaser than Rayvin Black on what we have seen from them so far and Dan Skelton's charge is taken to concede weight to his chief opponent here and see him off. That is not to dismiss Oliver Sherwood's charge readily, but he will need to jump with much more fluency than when he had a go chasing last year. The Lion Man can chase them home.