Yuletide Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 6m 8.83s

Commodore Barry^t³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 135

11/2

Useful hurdler that has made a solid start to chasing career, runner-up on both occasions and only just denied after trying to make all at Exeter last time over 3m; repeat of that alone surely takes him close, and has to be on the shortlist.

Form: 2113-22

Coolanly²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: C Brace⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 135| BF

11/8

Runner-up at Exeter in beginners' chase last month over 2m3f; that form well-advertised when winner took Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday. Has to prove stamina.

Form: 2575-72

Rocco²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 133| BF

7/1

Put a fall on chase bow behind him with Stratford success over 2m3½f in October on soft going; well held third since at Market Rasen and likely must improve to score in this.

Form: 350-F13

Before Midnight²⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 128WS

4/1

Dual bumper winner in 2018 and hurdles scorer last term, stays 3m and well worth market check returning for chase debut with trainer in fine form. Has had a wind operation.

Form: 2U2102-

Pistol Whipped²⁷⁸

15/2

Fakenham novice hurdle winner in February over 2m4f on good ground but well held next time at Sandown on soft. Has undergone wind operation since and Nico de Boinville seemingly prefers stablemate Before Midnight.

Form: S231P-

Mystical Clouds³¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 125

16/1

Promising novice over timber last season, scoring at Bangor in October over 2m3½f. That run came after a break so one to pay attention on chase debut despite the absence.

Form: 33/1F23-

Ivilnoble^t⁴⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: James Davies| T: C J Mann| OR: 122

40/1

Pulled up at Aintree on chase debut in October having attempted to make running; this doesn't look as strong a race and could be more to come on second start after a wind operation.

Form: 3233-P

Forecasts

Coolanly (11/8), Before Midnight (4/1), Commodore Barry (11/2), Rocco (7/1), Pistol Whipped (15/2), Mystical Clouds (16/1), Ivilnoble (40/1)

The form of COOLANKY's Exeter second behind Esprit Du Large was boosted in fine fashion at Sandown over the weekend and Fergal O'Brien's charge should have leading claims in this if seeing out the extra yardage. Likely frontrunner Commodore Barry won't go down without a fight while Mystical Clouds may be worth an interest after a layoff.