Weatherbys Racing Bank Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 58.0s

Dell Oro¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 135

13/8

Did well to finish fourth at Kempton over Christmas having been set plenty to do. Capable of better, and having showed plenty of ability over hurdles as well last season entitled to be a major player here.

Form: 2432-24

Niven^p,t²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: R Johnson| T: P A Kirby| OR: 132

6/1

Ex-Irish gelding who was quickly off the mark for new connections on heavy ground at Hexham last month. This sound surface is fine for him as he showed when chasing home a leading novice in Ireland in November and yard continues in good form.

Form: 324251

Stamp Your Feet^t⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 129| D

25/1

Plenty of form over hurdles in the past but has lost his way last three runs and has to show more on chasing debut against some in-form rivals.

Form: 124P-08

Jurby²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Sherwood| OR: 124

10/1

Creditable first effort over the larger obstacles but some way off that form when last seen and has to prove he stays this far as well.

Form: P2F1-34

Well Smitten¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: J M Quinlan| T: Miss A Murphy| OR: 121| CD

4/1

Hurdles form for previous trainer didn't amount to much but looked a natural on first go over fences for this yard over C&D. Never saw another rival that day and although facing possible rival for the lead, he should go well in this stronger race.

Form: 6/U72-P1

Embole^t⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 125

3/1

Front-runner who was beaten in a 3 runner race on chase debut though would have been closer but for a late mistake. Can be keen so has to prove his stamina on first attempt beyond 2m.

Form: 5103-42

Forecasts

Dell Oro (13/8), Embole (3/1), Well Smitten (4/1), Niven (6/1), Jurby (10/1), Stamp Your Feet (25/1)

In the hope that there could be a decent pace despite the small field DELL ORO can make it third time lucky over fences as his Kempton run over Christmas is likely to prove strong form. Niven had little to beat at Hexham but is clearly in good heart and Well Smitten, despite the rise in class, took well to fences here recently and shouldn't be discounted.