Watch Racing UK On BT TV Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 6m 32.40s

Coup De Pinceau²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 134| C| D

7/2

134-rated hurdler; made all (30/100f) on chasing debut at Exeter (3m, good) last month; penalised accordingly in a stronger contest but handles cut and should be positively involved.

Form: 26216-1

Darius Des Bois²²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 127| BF| D

9/4

The lowest rated of these five runners over hurdles (127) but showed much improved form post wind surgery (and when upped to 3m); bred for jumping fences and rates as a ground versatile (good or soft) individual.

Form: 5/57712-

Head To The Stars²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁷⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 135

10/1

135-rated hurdler who revels in soft ground. That said, is yet to win beyond 2m5f+ (albeit seemingly does stay further) and hit the deck at the 13th fence under Tom Scudamore on chasing debut at Exeter three weeks ago.

Form: 1222P-F

Red River^t³⁰⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| D

6/5

Cost £58,000 in April 2017 (dam a half-sister to the Coral Cup winner Big Strand); ultra-progressive over hurdles during his novice campaign winning at Wincanton (2m5f+) and Musselburgh (3m, soft); a fascinating newcomer to fences.

Form: 2/131-

Non-Runners

Theclockisticking¹⁵

Weight: 11-4| Age: 6

T: S Edmunds J: C Gethings

Forecasts

Red River (6/5), Darius Des Bois (9/4), Coup De Pinceau (7/2), Theclockisticking (7/2), Head To The Stars (10/1)

A strong looking novices' chase in which it would be dangerous too dismiss any of the five runners. Both Coup De Pinceau and Theclockisticking were found lovely races in which to be introduced to their respective chasing careers. However, although a degree of proficiency and experience has been established, a 6lb winners penalty is also incurred. Wind surgery and a step up in trip proved beneficial for Darius Des Bois over hurdles but fellow chasing newcomer RED RIVER is of more interest. Absent since winning at Musselburgh in February, this ultra-progressive novice hurdler (145-rated) remains an intriguing prospect over fences for the much respected Kim Bailey.