Bruce Farms Supporting World Horse Welfare Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 12:45 | Winning time: 6m 30.40s

Choix Des Armes^h,t1¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Mrs A C Hamilton| OR: 115

18/1

Tongue-tie now added to the hood he wore on stable debut although that run (tailed off) failed to impress. Plenty to prove now that he makes his chasing debut but has to give weight to the entire field; others make more appeal.

Form: 3/2852-0

Indian Brave²⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: R T Dunne| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 114

11/1

Fairly useful over hurdles on his day winning a Uttoxeter novice in soft ground over 2m4f when last seen in this sphere (April 2017). Only seen once since when given a considerate introduction to fences at Exeter; back from an absence, could improve.

Form: 64261/P-

Stoney Rover²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Sean Quinlan| T: K Scott| OR: 114

9/2

Won a Hexham novice hurdle last year over 2m4f but has always looked as though he needs a test of stamina. Given his chasing debut back at that track last time (made novice mistakes); could well improve but mark looks high enough.

Form: 2344-P4

Caventara^p²⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Ryan Mania| T: A M Thomson| OR: 108

9/2

Hurdles winner who so far hasn't sparkled over fences failing to complete in his first and most recent starts in this sphere (brought down). Bred to stay well but yet to convince over this trip; only win did come after a break; may not be a lost caus

Form: 31/P65B-

Emirat De Catana³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: S Mulqueen⁽³⁾| T: Miss Lucinda V Russell| OR: 103

5/1

Winner over hurdles on his handicap debut off just 1lbhigher he disappointed off 1lb higher when last seen in that sphere. Offered something to work on when making his chasing debut (made running) until falling heavily at the last when held.

Form: 444-18F

Oscar Ceremony^p,t¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 10-12| J: Henry Brooke| T: Stef Keniry| OR: 101| CD

5/4

Showed much more aptitude for chasing when returning to fences over C&D last time (well supported) to score by 4L. Wearing this headgear combination for the first time his jumping still holds scope to improve; up 5b, leading claims.

Form: 5-04331

Forecasts

Oscar Ceremony (5/4), Caventara (9/2), Stoney Rover (9/2), Emirat De Catana (5/1), Indian Brave (11/1), Choix Des Armes (18/1)

Most of these come with something to prove even OSCAR CEREMONY who was a C&D scorer last time out although he’ll need to tidy his jumping up to give his backers more peace of mind this time especially at a shorter price on this occasion. Emirat De Catana came down at the last in an error strewn C&D handicap last time but not before he had turned in a reasonable display and if he remains upright, he’ll be the chief threat. Indian Brave is only lightly-raced in recent years but having rejoined Neil Mulholland he could get involved if the race isn’t needed while Caventara could have a bigger performance in him over fences.