Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Registered As The November Novices' Chase)

Off time: 13:54 | Winning time: 3m 51.2s

Claimantakinforgan¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| D

9/4

Smart novice hurdler last season and justified short odds on recent chase debut at Uttoxeter (2m). Sure to go on to better things over fences, and leading claims in a tough race.

Form: 11352-1

Defi Du Seuil²⁸⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: B J Geraghty| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 157| CD

11/4

Unbeaten as a juvenile, when campaign culminated in Triumph Hurdle win. Not himself in a couple of starts last term, and needs respect now chasing with stable in fine fettle again.

Form: 1111/47-

Dynamite Dollars²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 146| D

7/1

Not in the same class as one or two of these over timber, but jumped very well when making a winning debut over fences at Market Rasen (2m1f), and encouraging that trainer relies on him here having such a good record in this race.

Form: 13554-1

Lalor²¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: R Johnson| T: K Woollacott| OR: 149| D

13/2

Winner of graded events at Aintree in April for last two seasons, and perhaps best in the spring, but not out of place here, for all his pedigree doesn't scream chaser.

Form: 1/23201-

One For Billy^t²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 145| D

14/1

Non Runner

Form: 21122R

Pingshou⁵⁷²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 148| C| D

7/2

Looks a chaser on physique, and highlight of novice hurdle campaign when winning Grade 1 at Aintree in April 2017. Absent since following month, but not one to take lightly now.

Form: 414013/

Forecasts

Claimantakinforgan (9/4), Defi Du Seuil (11/4), Pingshou (7/2), Lalor (13/2), Dynamite Dollars (7/1), One For Billy (14/1)

Claimantakinforgan is the one to beat on balance, and merits respect, but a chance is taken on PINGSHOU on his return from absence. He looked the sort to make a better chaser when winning a Grade 1 over hurdles as a novice, and connections will be keen to strike early with him. Triumph Hurdle winner Defi du Seuil clearly wasn't right last season, and remains with potential.