16:10 Newbury

Saturday 10 February 2018

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:40

Betfair Each Way Edge Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 6m 20.15s

Ibis Du Rheu^t³³³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 144

11/2

Just one win from 11 starts under rules, coming in conditionals hurdle contest at Chepstow in March 2016. Useful form in novice chases last term before pulled up in Cheltenham Festival handicap. Returns from a break and capable fresh.

Form: 18/323P-

Markov⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: D A Jacob| T: B Pauling| OR: 138

3/1

Looked good in winning both chase starts so far, latest in 2m3f good-ground Doncaster novice handicap in December. Had plenty up his sleeve and 12lb hike not certain to stop him with trainer in super form this week.

Form: 3343-11

Lovely Job⁷²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: F O'Brien| OR: 138| D

9/2

Progressive novice chaser during 2017 with figures of 12121, ended the year with all-the-way Taunton success on good ground in December over this trip. Up 5lb but expected to be right in the firing line again.

Form: F/12121

Minella Aris^t¹¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: James Best| T: T R George| OR: 137| BF

5/1

Winning start over fences at Southwell (2m4½f, good) in May, was making decent fist of things under a penalty on return at Wetherby in October when falling under pressure two out. Eased 2lb and dangerous now with yard in good form.

Form: 3/156-1F

Duke Des Champs⁴²

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 135

7/1

Embryonic chaser and useful novice hurdler who returned from 20 months off to produce a big run here on debut over fences in late December. Runs from the same mark and remains with potential to improve significantly.

Form: 12136/2

Three Ways^t,v1⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 135

12/1

Run well in three starts over fences in small-field novice events, opening account in four-runner Catterick (3m1, soft) contest on New Year's Day. More demanded in first-time visor this afternoon.

Form: 418-221

Reigning Supreme⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 134| BF| C

6/1

Two-from-two over hurdles at this track, was well supported and going well at Kempton on Boxing Day in seasonal return / chase debut when unseating this rider four from home. Seven Barrows team flying right now and one to pay close attention to.

Form: F2/141-U

Indy Five²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-3| J: T E Whelan| T: David Dennis| OR: 122| D

14/1

Lightly-raced eight-year-old, much to like about chasing debut at Taunton in December when he blitzed field from the front off a 15lb lower mark jumping well to coast home by 12L. Fell early on over this C&D last month. Trainer won this last year.

Form: 4/31-91F

Forecasts

Markov (3/1), Lovely Job (9/2), Minella Aris (5/1), Ibis Du Rheu (11/2), Reigning Supreme (6/1), Duke Des Champs (7/1), Three Ways (12/1), Indy Five (14/1)

Indy Five crashed out too early to ascertain much over C&D last month, but he was an impressive scorer at Taunton chase bow and isn't to be written off for the trainer that won this contest a year ago. Duke Des Champs offered plenty to work on when second here in December on his return from a long layoff and must command respect on that showing now upped in distance. Markov is unbeaten over fences and should put up a bold show for in-form Ben Pauling despite a 12lb hike, while Reigning Supreme and Ibis Du Rheu represent top yards and have potential to have their say. LOVELY JOB progressed nicely last season over fences and ended with a nice success at Taunton, raised 5lb, he could be open to doing better again off a short break and should go well in the very competitive field.