Book Your Cheltenham Raceday Package Today Novices' Chase

Off time: 13:31 | Winning time: 4m 20.3s

Bulkov^p1²³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Alain Cawley| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 127

11/4

Dual novice hurdle winner on soft and heavy ground earlier this year. Well held in two novice chases thus far, failing to convince with his jumping at times.

Form: 2211-86

Niven^p,t³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: A Nicol| T: P A Kirby| OR: 129| D

9/4

Solid and consistent Elusive Pimpernel gelding on the Flat, has shown promise in this sort of race in Ireland and not disgraced off handicap mark of 127 at Cork (2m½f, yielding) last month. Starts life for new handler and worth noting.

Form: 332425

Paddocks Lounge⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: C Ellam| OR: 92| D

50/1

Won three sellers/claimers over hurdles last year for Sophie Leech. Modest form in six chase starts, including handicaps, and not one to wade in strongly behind for now.

Form: 646-P34

Catchamat¹¹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-7| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: J Walton| OR: 112

16/1

Mare is lightly-raced for nine-years-old. Promising novice form over timber at staying trips, remote fourth in a Novices' Chase at Kelso over close to 3m recently, unlikely to have pace for this distance.

Form: 50666-4

Kelka²⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 123| CD

1/1

Decent hurdler, winning three times in eight starts, January chase bow at Carlisle (2m, heavy) offer some promise (second), though not as good at Newcastle in February. Back from a break and worth a market check here.

Form: 514/239-

Forecasts

Kelka (1/1), Niven (9/4), Bulkov (11/4), Catchamat (16/1), Paddocks Lounge (50/1)

This might not take a lot of winning and while really heavy ground would be a worry, NIVEN has handled soft in the past and his three placed efforts over fences in Ireland before joining this yard just about give him the edge today. Kelka ought to make some progress for Donald McCain before too long, while Bulkov will have prospects too once he irons out his technique at the obstacles.