racingtv.com Novices' Chase

Off time: 15:03 | Winning time: 5m 12.10s

Jenkins^p¹⁰⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: David Bass| T: N J Henderson| OR: 145

5/4

Not beaten far in a decent little race at Cheltenham in December and certainly going the right way over fences. That Prestbury Park form looks reliable and the gelding has to merit serious consideration here.

Form: 0P0-143

Secret Investor^t³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 143| BF

8/11

Well backed when favourite for a Grade 2 at Kempton latest but jumping folded under pressure near the finish and was eventually well held. This is a bit easier and the gelding can feasibly bounce back if he treats the obstacles with more respect.

Form: 1-11224

Seero⁶⁶⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Miss A Goschen⁽⁷⁾| T: Amaryllis Goschen

150/1

Failed to win on the point-to-point scene and makes limited appeal now the gelding makes his debut under rules at the age of nine. Stiff test.

Form: 5532/53-

Sir Dylan¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 10-12| J: David Noonan| T: P Gundry| OR: 105| CD

100/1

Consistent at a modest level over hurdles but difficult to know what to expect now he switches to fences at this late stage of his career. Difficult to recommend.

Form: FP/02F5-

Sleep Easy^p³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 126| C

14/1

Rated 132 at his best over hurdles but lacks experience of fences and recent form over timber has taken a nosedive. Another who looks a risky option against the top two on the racecard.

Form: 432808

Forecasts

Secret Investor (8/11), Jenkins (5/4), Sleep Easy (14/1), Sir Dylan (100/1), Seero (150/1)

This is likely to be a match between JENKINS and Secret Investor, with the first named looking the more steady jumper of the two at this stage and he edges the nomination in a tight one to call. Sleep Easy has plenty to find on ratings but looks the one most likely to capitalise if his main rivals run below expectations for any reason.