Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:51 | Winning time: 6m 31.50s

Chris's Dream⁴⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 147

5/1

Useful hurdler who has proved even better over fences (won 2-3 in this sphere) culminating in a Grade 2 victory last time over 3m. Usually goes from the front/races prominently; stiffest task so far but open to improvement as a chaser.

Form: 119-121

Crucial Role²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 150

28/1

Scored twice over fences (debut win worked out well) before taking small-field event at Uttoxeter (rivals unconvincing). Made little impact when only novice to run in the Ultima last time; has bled twice this season, tough ask at this level.

Form: P-31310

Lostintranslation²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 157

3/1

Smart form over fences despite only landing one victory so far; won Grade 2 from old rival Defi Du Seuil. That form was reversed in the JLT (lost no caste in defeat); will find himself a lot better equipped/suited for this sort of test; main danger.

Form: 2-23122

Mr Whipped^p1¹²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 145

11/1

Smart multiple winner over hurdles including at Grade 2 level who has made an encouraging start to his chasing career (won on second start; jumped soundly in the main). Headgear now on first-time, lacks experience but will be suited by this 3m test.

Form: 112P-31

Topofthegame^t²³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 163

10/11

Went chasing on the back of a wind op showing very smart form (twice runner-up) before landing the RSA at the Festival (under a patient ride). Travelled well/jumped fluently to land that prize; should prove hard to beat with few miles on the clock.

Form: 412-221

Top Ville Ben^h¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Sean Quinlan| T: P A Kirby| OR: 147

14/1

Wide-margin winner of his first two novice chase starts he disappointed twice after that including when falling heavily in the RSA. Back on track when turned out quickly after that fall winning with ease at Wetherby; found out in this grade before.

Form: F-115F1

Non-Runners

Drovers Lane²³

Weight: 11-4| Age: 7

T: Miss R Curtis J: S Bowen

Forecasts

Topofthegame (10/11), Lostintranslation (3/1), Chris's Dream (5/1), Mr Whipped (11/1), Top Ville Ben (14/1), Drovers Lane (14/1), Crucial Role (28/1)

It’s rather a shame that this has to a certain extent cut up and with the ground getting softer it will provide quite a test. That should bring out the best in Lostintranslation who already looks as though he’s going to be useful over this trip. However, TOPOFTHEGAME the RSA winner is going to be hard to beat with the Cheltenham race looking to be a top-class renewal this time around and his trainer Paul Nicholls has tasted success in this before. Mr Whipped might find this a little bit of a culture shock at this stage of his career especially with Top Ville Ben sure to set a strong pace. Drovers Lane needs to improve and it could be Chris’s Dream that is the surprise package at a big price.