KOSB Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 4m 18.30s

Lycidas^t³⁵¹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: G Sheehan| T: J Ewart| OR: 120| C| D

11/4

Won a handicap hurdle on this card in 2017. Has run just twice since, and was held on his comeback on the Flat at Musselburgh last June. Another long break to overcome on this chase debut.

Form: 432513/

Spin The Coin^t¹⁷⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 110

11/4

Made a successful return from wind surgery at Musselburgh (1m7f, good, first-time tongue-tie) in December, winning by 6L. Not seen since, and up 8lb for chase debut, but in good hands and interesting.

Form: 549F/01-

Felix Mendelssohn^b¹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-3| J: Sam Coltherd⁽³⁾| T: W Coltherd| OR: 97

11/4

Unable to win from marks in the 80s over hurdles, but obliged on chase debut from a mark of 88 at Perth (2m, good) last time. Handicapper has put him up 9lb for that, so more needed, but little weight to carry.

Form: 96672-1

Lovely Schtuff⁴⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-1| J: Henry Brooke| T: Mrs J Stephen| OR: 95WS

7/2

Point winner who has been well held in all five chase starts. Returns from wind surgery, but can only watch for the time being.

Form: 4556U0-

Braddan Head^p,t³⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-0| J: C O'Farrell| T: Mrs Dianne Sayer| OR: 90

10/1

Placed once over hurdles (beaten 19L) at Musselburgh (2m4f, good) in March. Well held at Perth in that discipline last time, from a mark of 93. Drops in trip for chase debut and watching brief suggested.

Form: P45P38-

Forecasts

Felix Mendelssohn (11/4), Lycidas (11/4), Spin The Coin (11/4), Lovely Schtuff (7/2), Braddan Head (10/1)

This looks to revolve around the top three on the racecard and a chance is taken on SPIN THE COIN on his chase debut. There was much to like about his return from a wind op to win in December, and another break going into this is of no concern. Lycidas has previously had the ability to win a race like this, but he has to prove he retains that, and although it was a weak race he won on his chase debut, Felix Mendelssohn can't be ruled out from 9lb higher this time.