Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:31 | Winning time: 5m 27.75s

Count Meribel³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: M D Grant| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 148| C

7/1

Winner of both his starts over fences, latterly showing a good attitude to land a nice prize at Cheltenham. Has winning hurdling form at this track and looks a solid contender.

Form: 265P-11

Lil Rockerfeller^p⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: N B King| OR: 153| C| D

4/1

High-class staying hurdler who won his first three races over fences despite not always convincing with his jumping. Came a cropper early on at Cheltenham last week and is clearly none the worse for the tumble.

Form: P2-111U

Jerrysback²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Geraghty| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 144| D

6/1

Defied odds of 50-1 to score at Bangor on his second start over fences, having previously finished well behind Count Meribel at Cheltenham. Has something to find, but latest effort was much improved and further progress cannot be ruled out.

Form: F111/51

Vinndication³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 149| C| D

8/13

Above-average novice hurdler who has always looked a chaser in the making. Showed a resolute attitude to score on his debut over fences at Carlisle and is a likeable sort who could go a long way at this game.

Form: 1111-1

Forecasts

Vinndication (8/13), Lil Rockerfeller (4/1), Jerrysback (6/1), Count Meribel (7/1)

Only four runners, but a cracking contest with good prize money on offer. Jerrysback took a big step forward last time, but has a bit to find with his three rivals and Lil Rockerfeller would ideally prefer a longer trip. Count Meribel is an admirable sort who showed plenty of courage to land a good prize at Cheltenham, but VINNDICATION is unbeaten in five starts under rules and impressed with his resolve on his chasing debut at Carlisle. The forecast soft ground will be in his favour.