Spa At Ramside Hall Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:50 | Winning time: 4m 24.1s

Dali Mail^t²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Callum Whillans⁽³⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 123| D

8/1

Fairly useful hurdler in the mud, winning at Ayr a year ago, and no shame in finishing third of 10 to Cornerstone Lad in handicap at Wetherby on his return. Not ruled out now chasing, but facing higher rated rivals in what looks a strong contest.

Form: 10/122-3

Glinger Flame^p²⁰⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 133| D

4/1

Won his last three over hurdles in the spring, and didn't need to improve for easy wins at Hexham in April and May. Will make a chaser, and not taken lightly despite this rise in class.

Form: 32311-1

I'm To Blame^h³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Sean Quinlan| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 137| D

1/1

Twice a winner over hurdles at Sedgefield early this year, showing useful form. Made an encouraging start over fences when 1½L second of 10 to Two For Gold (winner since) at Carlisle, and open to improvement in this discipline.

Form: 3112-22

Protek Des Flos⁵⁵⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: R P McLernon| T: B Haslam| OR: 130| D

16/1

Useful hurdler for Nicky Henderson at up to 3m, but makes his debut for new yard after a significant absence, and is likely to find this trip on the sharp side.

Form: 0P130/3-

Ravenhill Road²⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Danny Cook| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 127

3/1

Placed in this race a year ago when with Brian Ellison, and looked as good as ever when chasing home Good Boy Bobby at Wetherby for new yard last month. Should not be far away once more.

Form: P/2335-2

Forecasts

I'm To Blame (1/1), Ravenhill Road (3/1), Glinger Flame (4/1), Dali Mail (8/1), Protek Des Flos (16/1)

A quality contest despite the small field, and with his Carlisle conqueror winning again since, the percentage call is to side with I'M TO BLAME, although he cannot afford any slip ups with last year's third Ravenhill Road and progressive hurdler Glinger Flame likely to be snapping at his heels.