Ladbrokes John Francome Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 12:46 | Winning time: 5m 58.70s

Kilbricken Storm^t²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 152

5/2

High-class novice hurdler who won the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival with Santini in third. Scrambled home on chasing debut at Ffos Las and will need to jump with more fluency against these rivals. Stable won this last year.

Form: 11313-1

Le Breuil¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: D A Jacob| T: B Pauling| OR: 142| C

10/1

Had little to beat when winning on chasing debut at Huntingdon, but showed his true worth with an excellent second in a much stronger contest at Cheltenham. Step up in trip may not be ideal, but brings good form to the table.

Form: 2015-12

Mr Big Shot²³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe

9/2

Useful and progressive hurdler who landed a valuable handicap at Aintree in the spring. Bred to make a chaser and is respected, but is taking on some leading prospects on his fencing debut.

Form: 111/01-

Rocky's Treasure²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 144| D

17/2

Well placed to win all three starts over fences and impressed with his jumping at Wetherby last time. Solid performer who should make his presence felt.

Form: P5-4111

Santini²³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| C

11/8

Strapping gelding who probably exceeded expectations over hurdles, finishing third to Kilbricken Storm at the Cheltenham Festival before winning at Aintree. Regarded as a tip-top chasing prospect by his leading trainer.

Form: 1/1131-

Skipthecuddles^p²¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Adam Wedge| T: D Killahena & G McPherson| OR: 137

50/1

Well held when falling over hurdles on his final start last season. Makes his chasing debut in a hot contest and is best watched.

Form: P5501F-

This Is It²⁵⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Nick Mitchell| OR: 125| D

100/1

Winner of one of his nine starts over hurdles and has shown a liking for a test of stamina. Looks up against it on his first start over fences.

Form: 1692P2-

Forecasts

Santini (11/8), Kilbricken Storm (5/2), Mr Big Shot (9/2), Rocky's Treasure (17/2), Le Breuil (10/1), Skipthecuddles (50/1), This Is It (100/1)

Kilbricken Storm will need to jump with more fluency than on his chasing debut if he is to be a leading player, but he will have been well schooled and may be more proficient this time. He is not opposed lightly, but in SANTINI he faces a rival of huge potential over fences. The selection has been spoken of in glowing terms by connections and now gets his chance to show what he can do. Le Breuil already boasts a fair level of form, Rocky's Treasure looks a talented recruit to chasing and Mr Big Shot has plenty of potential so this promises to be a high-class and informative contest.