Sky Sports Racing Virgin 535 Beginners' Chase

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 4m 56.90s

Knockoura^t¹⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Ross Chapman| T: M A Barnes| OR: 104

50/1

A point-to-point winner but was a maiden over hurdles under Rules. He was second of 10 last time in a 2m5f contest at Kelso where he was 10L behind the winner. Set for his first taste of fences where he will need to improve. Others appeal more.

Form: 221/68-2

Thelongwayaround¹⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 115| C

25/1

Broke his maiden in a 2m4f hurdles contest at Sedgefield last time out back in April. Makes his return to action here where he set for his opening chase appearance. Best to watch on his first look at fences on the track.

Form: 252861-

Western Ryder²¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: R Johnson| T: W Greatrex| OR: 147

6/5

Was a smart hurdler who scored twice as a novice and then had some good form in Graded company last season, including when he was third of five in the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock (1m7½f). One to beat if he transfers some of that form to fences.

Form: 5/53330-

Windsor Avenue²³²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: B S Hughes| T: B Ellison| OR: 134| C

10/11

Scored twice over hurdles, with his latest success coming at Sedgefield (2m4f). He finished second of six last time in a Grade 2 hurdle race at Kelso (2m2f). One to consider here as he enters chasing for the first time.

Form: 1/21412-

Phoenician Star²²³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: C Brace⁽⁵⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 128| DWS

14/1

Was successful for the first time in 12 starts on his latest run at Stratford in a 2m2½f hurdle contest. Has since had a wind operation. This will be his first outing over fences and he is sure to learn for the experience. Can't be ignored though.

Form: 661-

Forecasts

Windsor Avenue (10/11), Western Ryder (6/5), Phoenician Star (14/1), Thelongwayaround (25/1), Knockoura (50/1)

WESTERN RYDER was rated very highly over hurdles where he mixed it up with some top class hurdlers. He is the one to beat here on his chase debut, as long as he puts in a clean round of jumping. Windsor Avenue was another smart hurdler who looks likely to make a smooth transition to fences so expect to see him in contention, while Phoenician Star scored on his last start over fences and could be better here now he has had a wind-op so include him in your calculations.