Conservatory Insulations Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 5m 17.40s

Fidux¹⁵⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 142

22/1

2-2 over fences but both of those wins came in weak races during the summer. Goes well fresh so his 155-day absence is of no concern. Has plenty to find on form though, and must concede weight all round.

Form: 003-U11

Champagne Mystery²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144

7/4

Broke his duck at the fifth attempt when running clear of his rivals on chase debut at Aintree (2m4f; soft). Given a 15lb higher mark than he had over hurdles after that. Bold bid expected under the penalty.

Form: 2/U222-1

Whatmore³¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: T J O'Brien| T: H D Daly| OR: 140

6/1

Coped well with the step up in class when third behind Deyrann De Carjac (third to Champ last Friday) & Pym (boosted the form with a commanding win at Ascot recently) at Huntingdon (2m4f; good) last month. Hard task at these weights though.

Form: 1772-13

Dashel Drasher⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Matt Griffiths| T: J Scott| OR: 145

10/11

Turned out quickly after going no further than the first when unseating his rider at Newbury (2m4f; good to soft) on Friday. Form on chase debut before that mishap when second to Champ reads well in this contest. Huge chance if jumping holds up.

Form: 1111-2U

Forecasts

Dashel Drasher (10/11), Champagne Mystery (7/4), Whatmore (6/1), Fidux (22/1)

Only four runners for this novice chase, but nevertheless this is a fascinating contest. The one with the biggest task is without doubt Fidux who gives weight away all round and steps up in class. Both Champagne Mystery and Whatmore have done nothing wrong over fences to date, and it may well be the case that the former is a much better animal over the larger obstacles. However, despite a bad blunder at the first at Newbury just five days ago, DASHEL DRASHER is a confident selection. He was the highest rated of this lot over hurdles, and the fact he receives weight from all his rivals makes him a very attractive proposition provided he produces a clear round.