Bet Now At 188Bet Novices' Chase

Off time: 15:51 | Winning time: 6m 40.5s

Captain Chaos^b¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 144| D

8/11

Impressive novice wins at Aintree and Wetherby in November, found things tougher back at the Yorkshire track in Grade 2 early this month but sights lowered and stands out in this field.

Form: 3F-6114

Ozzy Thomas^p¹³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: R Johnson| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 137| D

6/5

Making decent progress this season over fences, with good-ground wins at Ludlow and Southwell either side of short summer break. Decent effort in October back at Ludlow when second on previous run, entitled to claims here, though may not want soft.

Form: 42-1F12

Militarian³⁵⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: J Martin⁽⁷⁾| T: Andrew Martin| OR: 105

16/1

Won a maiden point-to-point in 2016, but disappointing showings last term over timber and comes back chasing with something to prove for now against two useful rivals.

Form: 31/9744-

The Society Man⁵⁴

Age: 11| Weight: 10-12| J: Alison Clarke⁽⁷⁾| T: M C Chapman| OR: 64| C

100/1

No wins from 68 attempts over fences and would be providing a massive shock should he manage to break his maiden here.

Form: 6U553P

Trust Me I'm A Dr⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Alex Chadwick⁽⁷⁾| T: V Thompson

100/1

Remains a maiden in point-to-points after 15 attempts and his belated rules appearances at Newcastle and Ayr recently offered little hope that he is about to break that duck in this sphere. Others readily preferred.

Form: 44/3-PPP

Forecasts

Captain Chaos (8/11), Ozzy Thomas (6/5), Militarian (16/1), The Society Man (100/1), Trust Me I'm A Dr (100/1)

On paper this appears to be a shootout between the top two on the racecard. Ozzy Thomas has made good strides over fences this season, with a couple of wins and a decent second at Ludlow in October when last spotted. He is entitled to go well, though soft ground is a concern. CAPTAIN CHAOS lost his unbeaten chasing record in a Grade 2 novice event at Wetherby earlier this month, but should relish this small field and drop in class. Assuming he is fully recovered, he can get back on track by landing this contest for Team Skelton. The other three are carrying forlorn hopes, but a clean round can see Militarian home ahead of the limited pair The Society Man and Trust Me I'm A Dr.