Smarkets Novices' Chase

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 5m 1.2s

Braavos¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 134| D

4/1

Has not really taken to chasing and was well beaten at Kempton (2m5f, good) three weeks ago having made the running. Chances of a soft lead in this small field but vunerable to an improving type.

Form: 231P75-

Exxaro³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 127| D

11/2

Been struggling in handicaps recently over fences and is now 0-11 in this discipline. Has a bit to find on form against a couple of these and more will certainly be needed to come out on top.

Form: 2240P-4

Indian Hawk^p1¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 134| BF

11/8

Was beaten at odds-on on chasing debut at Towcester (2m5½f, soft) three weeks ago. Ground got very testing that day and lost nothing in defeat. Conditions and track here are likely to suit and is a big player.

Form: 181P52-

Overland Flyer^t⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 135| BF

9/4

Beaten favourite at odds-on in a three-runner affair at Newton Abbot last week. Was a touch free that day and not sure small field helped. Similar scenario here but drop in trip should help and is a danger to all if settling slightly better.

Form: 1114/P-2

Forecasts

Indian Hawk (11/8), Overland Flyer (9/4), Braavos (4/1), Exxaro (11/2)

Just the four runners and whilst none of them can be completely ruled out, the finish is likely to be between INDIAN HAWK and Overland Flyer. Better is expected from the latter over fences and with the freshness taken out of him he may do better over this shorter trip. Clear preference though is for the former as the ground got very testing on his recent chasing debut at Towcester and these better conditions can see him notch a first win over fences.