Racing Again 2nd February Novices' Chase

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 4m 10.15s

Applaus^p³²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Sean Quinlan| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 118| D

6/1

Landed some good bets when winning over hurdles on Tyneside in February (2m) and ended the season with further success at Hexham. Improved upon his chasing debut when an 8L runner up to subsequent winner Kauto Riko at Newcastle (2m) in December.

Form: 1241-P2

Carrickcross Boye²²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Ross Chapman⁽⁵⁾| T: I Jardine

14/1

Shown little signs of ability both under rules and in point-to-points. Chasing debut (rules) on his second start for this trainer.

Form: FP3P-36

Roll Of Thunder⁵⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Non Runner| T: J Walton| OR: 80| D

25/1

A mediocre 1 from 21 over hurdles, with that success coming over 2m at Hexham in June 2015. Pulled up on both starts over fences at Sedgefield, and little conceivable chance in this contest.

Form: 6466-PP

Scorpo⁶²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Mr D Delahunt⁽⁷⁾| T: V Thompson

50/1

Failed to complete in six of nine point-to-points in Ireland during 2015/16 (did improve latterly). Has a 627-day absence to overcome on first start for this trainer/rules bow. Couldn't be considered.

Form: FPP9/25-

Totalize⁵⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Danny Cook| T: B Ellison| D

10/11

A 144-rated hurdler who makes the switch to fences at the age of nine. In excellent order in the summer of 2016 when last seen in action, including at the Galway Festival, and will be ultra competitive in this grade at his very best.

Form: 0544/13-

Kelka²⁷⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: B S Hughes| T: J M Jefferson| OR: 130| CD

2/1

A likeable mare who has plenty of ability, earning a rating of 130 over hurdles after a trio of victories (including on heavy ground). Her dam was a winner over fences, so no reason why shouldn't take well to chasing.

Form: 112514-

Forecasts

Totalize (10/11), Kelka (2/1), Applaus (6/1), Carrickcross Boye (14/1), Roll Of Thunder (25/1), Scorpo (50/1)

Both Applaus and KELKA were scheduled to clash at Newcastle on January 7th (abandoned) in what effectively looked a match. However, unfortunately for their respective connections, they've also the returning classy hurdler Totalize to think about now. Brian Ellison's nine-year-old should take this contest based on hurdles ratings, but those figures were achieved back in the summer of 2016, and he'll need to return in 'A1' condition in order to make a winning chasing debut. Therefore, a slight preference is for the grand mare Kelka, whose dam Scarvagh Diamond was a winner over fences, and has the top man in the North (in the shape of Brian Hughes) in the saddle.