International Decorative Surfaces Novices' Chase

Off time: 12:45 | Winning time: 6m 56.2s

Imperial Aura²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 136

6/1

Bumper winner who also scored twice over hurdles; then lost no caste in defeat when losing his unbeaten hurdling record when third in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. Found an easy opportunity for his wining chasing debut; still an exciting prospect.

Form: 31/11-31

Pym²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 149

2/1

Already looks a better chaser than he was a hurdler improving from his chase debut to win a novice handicap chase at Ascot (3m, soft). Did show a slight quirk on the run-in but all in all jumped well and looks capable of further progress in this sphe

Form: 2210-21

Aye Aye Charlie²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-1| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 134

6/1

Useful hurdler although he remains with just one win in that discipline. Switched to fences he's twice shown good form at this venue although his jumping still looks suspect on occasions; needs to improve on what he's shown so far to have a chance.

Form: 1668-54

Rockpoint²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: R M Power| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 133| C

4/1

Produced his best hurdling performance and his only win albeit in a Grade 2 hurdle at this meeting last year. Given a considerate chasing introduction (after a wind op); improved when second last time (both runs at this track, 3m); may do better.

Form: 4607-42

Stoney Mountain²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: R Johnson| T: H D Daly| OR: 144

11/4

Scooped up two staying hurdles this year the second of those a valuable event at Haydock, showing real tenacity to lead close home. Switches to fences now, looks the type to make a mark in this sphere; hardly given an easy introduction.

Form: 123P-11

Forecasts

Pym (2/1), Stoney Mountain (11/4), Rockpoint (4/1), Imperial Aura (6/1), Aye Aye Charlie (6/1)

A fascinating little event with four of the quintet already having chasing experience and a newcomer who one suspects will be useful over larger obstacles. That debutant, Stoney Mountain isn’t given an easy start over fences but he’s hard to ignore given his recent hurdling form. Rockpoint and Aye Aye Charlie have met twice before around here over fences with the former beating the latter on each occasion; expected to do so again here. PYM built significantly on his debut when winning at Ascot despite veering left on the run-in. He should be able to make further progress after that experience with good hurdler Imperial Aura the one who could provide the main danger despite his inexperience.