Smarkets Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 16:46 | Winning time: 4m 5.30s

Utility^t¹⁵⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130| DWS

6/1

Three-times hurdles winner who makes his chasing debut following a wind operation. Was not at his best when last seen at the end of last year.

Form: F11067-

Miss Night Owl¹⁶²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: B S Hughes| T: T R George| OR: 127| D

7/2

Three wins from seven starts over hurdles, displaying a fair level of form. Makes her chasing debut, but was placed in point-to-points so negotiating the fences should not be an issue.

Form: 611/174-

Capitoul¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Dr R D P Newland| OR: 126| CD

11/10

Successful chasing debut when bolting up over C&D last month. Has gone up 11lb, but canny trainer has a knack of improving his horses and this fellow looks the one to beat with course form to his name.

Form: F660U1-

Comanche Chieftain²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Teal⁽⁷⁾| T: N B King| OR: 126| D

9/1

Won three times over hurdles, but was beaten a long way at Cheltenham last month. Interesting to see how he fares on his chasing debut for which the market will probably be the best guide.

Form: 213250-

New Agenda^h³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: T J O'Brien| T: P R Webber| OR: 124| CD

5/1

Dual winner over hurdles whose only outing in a chase saw him lead for a long way before pulling up at Ludlow in November. Something may have gone amiss that day and he may be capable of better.

Form: 21314P-

Forecasts

Capitoul (11/10), Miss Night Owl (7/2), New Agenda (5/1), Utility (6/1), Comanche Chieftain (9/1)

New Agenda stopped quickly after leading for a long way on his chasing debut so something may have gone wrong and he could be capable of better. Commanche Chieftain, Utility and Miss Night Owl are all respected on their chasing debuts, but the solid one is CAPITOUL, who won in clear-cut fashion over C&D on his first appearance over fences and can defy a hike in the weights.