BetBright Dipper Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 5m 13.10s

Defi Du Seuil²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: B J Geraghty| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 150| C

5/2

Three-time Grade 1 winner over hurdles and warmed to his task very nicely at Exeter last time. Could well be a threat in this sphere going forward and while he disappointed here on chase debut, better expected this time around.

Form: 11/47-51

Black Op^t²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: N D Fehily| T: T R George| OR: 152| BF| D

3/1

Only found one too good in the Ballymore and gained compensation in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) next time out. Ran okay on chase debut at Exeter behind Defi Du Seuil and will have learnt plenty from that; expected to be right there.

Form: 41221-3

Lostintranslation³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 149

3/1

Only narrowly denied by Black Op in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle but yet to quite match that level of form over fences and his jumping has been a little hit and miss over the larger obstacles. May want softer ground to be seen at his best.

Form: 1672-23

On The Blind Side²⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 151| BF| CDWS

9/4

Progressive over hurdles, ratting off a hat-trick including two Grade 2 wins. Couldn't justify favouritism when losing his unbeaten record at Aintree behind Black Op but has had wind surgery since and rates as a fascinating contender on chase debut.

Form: 1/1116-

Non-Runners

Crucial Role²¹

Weight: 11-0| Age: 7

T: D Skelton J: Harry Skelton

Forecasts

On The Blind Side (9/4), Defi Du Seuil (5/2), Lostintranslation (3/1), Black Op (3/1), Crucial Role (10/1)

DEFI DU SEUIL put up a much improved effort at Exeter last time with re-opposing Black Op in behind and with more improvement on the cards here, he could be hard to beat. It's hard to rule out any of this small field but On The Blind Side could be the main danger on chase debut having looked highly progressive over hurdles last year. Black Op won't be far away if he improves for his chase debut when third behind the selection last time out.