DM Hall Chartered Surveyors Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 6m 28.55s

Blue Comet^t²⁰⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 132

6/4

Prominent racer who was in fine fettle over hurdles on quick ground during the latter half of 2017; winning three on the bounce at Market Rasen (2m4f-2m7f). Back from a seven month absence for his chasing debut.

Form: 4/33111-

Fly Rory Fly^t²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Lucy Alexander| T: N W Alexander| OR: 116

12/1

Cost £25,000 from Noel Meade in September 2017 and was making his first start for this trainer over 2m4f here last month (soft) when finishing fourth of six to Ballyarthur. Both trip and ground conditions appear slightly more favourable today.

Form: 13F294-

Jacks Last Hope^v²⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: B S Hughes| T: C Grant| C| D

8/11

A force to be reckoned with over hurdles, being a six-time winner rated in the low 140's. Versatile between 2m-3m on good ground and was beaten just ¾L on his chasing debut in October 2017, so ticks plenty of the right boxes.

Form: 1/15127-

Non-Runners

Cherif De L'Isle¹⁶⁷

Weight: 10-12| Age: 6

T: Miss Lucinda V Russell J: D R Fox

Forecasts

Jacks Last Hope (8/11), Blue Comet (6/4), Fly Rory Fly (12/1), Cherif De L'Isle (14/1)

Fergal O'Brien is notorious for his successful raids north to Perth (23 from 81; 28% - prior to this two-day fixture), so the four-timer seeking Blue Comet is a notable chasing debutante. However, on hurdle ratings, he has a few pounds to find with JACKS LAST HOPE who also has that all important previous chasing experience and will be untroubled by the forecast good ground underfoot.