Paxtons For Kverneland Machinery & Genuine Spares Novices' Chase

Off time: 15:33 | Winning time: 4m 6.0s

Ballyvic Boru²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: B Ellison| D

7/4

Contested a competitive 2m4f handicap hurdle at Ayr latest (following wind surgery), and whilst found wanting there should fare better on his rules chasing debut. Good ground will suit.

Form: 3/15130-

Curious Carlos²⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: James Bowen⁽³⁾| T: P & M Bowen| OR: 134| D

4/6

Top-rated of this quartet over hurdles (132), and is a six-time winner from 26 hurdles starts. Ground conditions in his favour for his chasing debut, so should really be able to make a winning start granted a clear round of fencing.

Form: 2F2465-

Gris De Pron¹⁷⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: H Hogarth| OR: 121| D

8/1

A two-time hurdles winner for Oliver Greenall (2m good/good to soft). In the process of running a solid race on his second start over fences when falling two out at Newcastle in November (2m good).

Form: 511/44F-

Rapid Fritz^t⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Thomas Dowson⁽³⁾| T: V Thompson| OR: 69

125/1

Regressive 27-race maiden (0 from 3 over fences). No chance on these terms in novice company barring three non-completions from his much higher rated rivals.

Form: 86P53-0

Forecasts

Curious Carlos (4/6), Ballyvic Boru (7/4), Gris De Pron (8/1), Rapid Fritz (125/1)

A poor turnout numerically, but a golden opportunity for the 133-rated hurdles winner CURIOUS CARLOS to make a winning chasing debut. Whilst facing a couple of rivals who should win races over fences (Gris De Pron and Ballyvic Boru), he has 10lb and more in hand on hurdles ratings, and with proven form on good ground should win with a proficient round of fencing.