BetVictor Novices' Chase

Off time: 16:15 | Winning time: 5m 1.5s

Air Navigator⁴⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 126

8/1

Former smart bumper performer improved for the switch to chasing with win in a Ffos Las handicap first time up and registered another good effort latest when second at Wincanton. Penalty makes life tough here and up against it at the weights.

Form: 453-172

Molineaux^t⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: T Scudamore| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 133| D

2/1

Progressive hurdler got off the mark over fences at Wincanton (2m4f) before 1L defeat next off 2lb higher mark at Exeter (3m). Drop in trip should be no real issue and respected given his improving profile.

Form: 31-5U12

Huntsman Son^t⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Kielan Woods| T: A M Hales| OR: 135WS

11/4

Smart hurdler chased home a useful previous winner latest when second at Doncaster. Second top on ratings so chances here and wind operation since latest run adds to the positives.

Form: 424-262

Indian Hercules¹⁰⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: W Greatrex| OR: 124| D

15/2

Third to Molineaux in final hurdle race last season and just the one chase race to date when well beaten at Exeter. Looks a tough task here overall but time on his side as a chaser.

Form: 16533-8

Slate House^t⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 139WS

5/2

Grade Two winning hurdler (beat subsequent Supreme winner Summerville Boy) disappointed in both chase races so far with latest seeing him break blood vessels. Wind operation since hopefully do the trick and hurdles form leaps off the page.

Form: 45F8-45

Forecasts

Molineaux (2/1), Slate House (5/2), Huntsman Son (11/4), Indian Hercules (15/2), Air Navigator (8/1)

Rarely are horses of much appeal after bursting blood vessels but SLATE HOUSE was a very good hurdler last season so a chance is taken on him overcoming that with a subsequent wind operation hopefully a big help. Huntsman Son has met some smart rivals so far but ran well latest and rates a danger. Stablemate of the selection Molineaux is preferred of the two with winning form.