Freixenet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:15 | Winning time: 4m 8.10s

The Russian Doyen³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 138| BF| D

5/6

Smart novice hurdler made an impressive start over fences when winning comfortably at Exeter. Favourite for a warmer Cheltenham race next but a bad error at the first seemed to dent his confidence. Expecting much better here.

Form: 1516-15

Knockmaole Boy^h,t²¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: M D Grant| T: Jean-Rene Auvray| OR: 132| BF| D

33/1

Three from nice record over hurdles for Gordon Elliott. First start for this yard and over fences comes over suitable ground and trip so jumping will dictate how well he fares.

Form: F21112-

Charming Zen¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 132| BF

7/1

Lightly raced dual hurdle scorer was a little disappointing as favourite on chasing bow at Hereford finishing a tired third of six. Fitness wise he should come on for that first run in 11 months so possibilities here.

Form: 11/7F-3

Le Precieux¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-3| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 119| D

6/4

Winner of his last three starts, a flat maiden and small field handicap chases at Leicester and Ludlow. Upped again by the handicapper but still appears on a lenient mark and big chance here getting so much weight from rivals.

Form: 6U3211

Forecasts

The Russian Doyen (5/6), Le Precieux (6/4), Charming Zen (7/1), Knockmaole Boy (33/1)

LE PRECIEUX probably hasn't beaten a great deal the last twice but that shouldn't be held against him and he certainly offers the most solid claims with doubts over all of his rivals. The Russian Doyen impressed the time before last where his jumping let him down so he isn't ruled out. Charming Zen also looks likely to improve plenty on his last effort.