starsports.bet Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 6m 23.8s

Bastien²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 134

10/11

Not particularly well treated in comparison to his winning mark over hurdles but the gelding was faced with a stiff test on chasing debut and may appreciated this easier company. Sounds claims in what is likely to be a tactical race.

Form: 31F50-4

Lovenormoney^p²⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 137| D

2/1

Rated 142 when last seen over hurdles but possible the handicapper had been a tad overzealous; needs to improve on the effort he posted on his chasing debut last time out too. Not discounted but needs to improve.

Form: 61710-0

Rio Quinto^t⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 128

6/1

Ran well in a couple of point-to-points and was mainly consistent over timber. Not over faced for his chase debut but significant enough reason to expect him to be one of those to benefit more for the experience.

Form: 12224-0

This Is It³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: Nick Mitchell| OR: 125| D

8/1

Was already left for dead when he unseated in a Grade 2 chase last time (that was his debut run over fences). Plenty to find on the official ratings and comes here with the most to prove.

Form: 692P2-U

Forecasts

Bastien (10/11), Lovenormoney (2/1), Rio Quinto (6/1), This Is It (8/1)

BASTIEN fared well on his chasing debut last time out and could take the beating here if he takes a further step forward. Lovenormoney was useful over hurdles and has to be feared in a small field such as this. Rio Quinto is expected to take the measure of This Is It in what may be their own private battle for the best of the rest.