Liverpool University Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA Novices' Chase

Off time: 13:20 | Winning time: 5m 23.2s

Springtown Lake²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 142| D

7/4

Dual novice hurdle winner last term as well as placing in warmer contests at Sandown and Cheltenham and made a winning start over fences where he battled to success at Sandown. Jumped left so this course should suit better; respected.

Form: F2310-1

Knockrobin^t³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 130

9/1

Winner on his point-to-point debut always looked a chaser in the making although he won once over hurdles. Promising start over fences when third to the useful Count Meribel at Carlisle. Lot to find on hurdles form but best days may still be ahead.

Form: 2312P-3

Mr Whipped¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 145| BF| D

8/11

Won first three hurdle races including Warwick Grade Two. Strong start over fences when only beaten ¾L at Cheltenham behind two previous winners and would have gone closer bar a mistake at the last. Excellent claims on the back of that.

Form: 1112P-3

Treshnish²³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 121

28/1

Dual soft ground hurdle scorer as a novice has yet to show such potential over fences with a last of five and fourth of six in races at Carlisle. Last race was warm so still has potential but looks least likely of this quartet.

Form: 3177-54

Forecasts

Mr Whipped (8/11), Springtown Lake (7/4), Knockrobin (9/1), Treshnish (28/1)

MR WHIPPED looked a genuine Cheltenham contender last season over hurdles before under performing the last twice and Nicky Henderson's five-year-old could have similar aspirations down the line over fences based on a very promising start at that racecourse on his chase debut against four previous winners where he was a close but rallying third. Springtown Lake is the biggest danger with a win already under his belt but the 5lb penalty swings the vote in his rivals favour. Knockrobin looks set to be better over fences than hurdles but has plenty to find with the selection though a line with Count Meribel.