Dick Saunders Novices' Hunters' Chase

Off time: 16:32 | Winning time: 5m 56.6s

Asockastar^p²⁵¹

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: Shane Quinlan⁽³⁾| T: D Bourne| OR: 113

9/4

Point-to-point winner whose last two starts in this sphere have resulted in a couple of very respectable runner-up slots. Generally goes from the front and looks sure to make another bold bid if he's tuned up for his return.

Form: 8142-22

Chase Me⁴⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr Zac Baker| T: J Ridley| OR: 80

25/1

Failed to meet expectations for the second successive start when last seen under Rules (over hurdles last summer). Beaten 25L in first point-to-point for this yard in December (finished third); 0-6 overall on point-to-points; tough task.

Form: 5-22453

Downbythestrand⁶⁷⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr S Lee⁽⁷⁾| T: F Hutsby

12/1

One win from eight starts in point-to-points with the win coming in March 2017; only run once since then (runner-up). First start under Rules and best watched unless the market speaks for him.

Form: U24P12/

Just Cause⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Jack Andrews⁽³⁾| T: J P Owen| OR: 108

4/7

Unlucky not to win a novice hunter when last seen under Rules at Fontwell (3m2f, good) last year; finished runner-up (received little help from the saddle). Has gone 121 in point-to-points since (5-11 overall); capable of winning this.

Form: 5S-2121

Forecasts

Just Cause (4/7), Asockastar (9/4), Downbythestrand (12/1), Chase Me (25/1)

Two of the quartet stand out here with the fitness of JUST CAUSE tipping the scales in his favour having run as recently as December with his main rival Asockastar being absent from the course since last June. The selection is a prolific scorer between the flags and he deserves to win an event such as this. Chase Me looks to have a tough task and Downbythestrand is preferred for the minor placing despite his lengthy absence.