Betfred Supports Jack Berry House Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:26 | Winning time: 6m 47.0s

Big River^t³⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: D R Fox| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 143

9/4

Raised 3lb for beating Shantou Flyer at Kelso last time in good style. Runner-up finished a fine second at the Cheltenham Festival this week to frank that form so has a big chance and appears to be going the right way.

Form: 21-1P31

Solighoster³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 139| D

3/1

Won two of his last four races, although latest success was in a match. Pulled up previously on heavy ground so there has to be a question mark over ability to handle these conditions but clearly in good heart.

Form: 25-13P1

Another Venture^p²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: M Hamill⁽⁵⁾| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 134| BF| D

9/2

Good wins at Chepstow and Hereford this term and very respectable third in listed event at Ascot last time. Handicapper may just about have taken his measure though, but handles conditions and won't be far away.

Form: 526113

Looksnowtlikebrian¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 125

4/1

Has won last two races, both on heavy ground and appeared to stay further than this when runner-up at Chepstow prior to that. Seems to be on the upgrade so a bold show definitely not ruled out.

Form: 168-211

Big Meadow²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: T E Whelan| T: N B King| OR: 123| CD

16/1

Did it well over C&D in similar conditions in January off 7lb lower mark, but flopped badly when pulled up at Ffos Las last month. Return to form not out of the question and is worth a market check.

Form: 46281P

Behind Time^p1²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-3| J: N P Madden| T: H Fry| OR: 120

7/1

Yard won this race 12 months ago with smart American, and wears first-tme cheekpieces in a bid to replicate that success. Hasn't been on top form of late so revival may well depend on just how well he takes to the new headgear.

Form: 6-53423

Forecasts

Big River (9/4), Solighoster (3/1), Looksnowtlikebrian (4/1), Another Venture (9/2), Behind Time (7/1), Big Meadow (16/1)

Although he has plenty of weight, Scottish raider BIG RIVER has hinted he may be a horse with quite a future and the form of his win at Kelso last time could hardly have worked out better. He is taken to go in again. Another Venture may give the selection most to think about having run very well on each of his last three starts, while Looksnowtlikebrian and previous course and distance winner Big Meadow also have claims in a fascinating contest.